Probe on Villar water business politically motivated - Sara

Metro Manila, Philippines - President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s order to probe Villar-owned PrimeWater Infrastructure Corp. might be connected to the vice president's endorsement of Las Piñas Rep. Camille Villar who is seeking a Senate seat, Sara Duterte herself said.

In a chance interview in Cagayan de Oro City on Wednesday, April 30, Duterte said the investigation on the water utility was politically motivated.

Consumers have lamented the water company’s alleged sky-high rates despite its poor water supply services in the regions. The business is owned by the family of former Senate President Manny Villar, who is among the Top 3 richest Filipinos.

“Malamang, dahil lahat naman ng galawan ngayon ng administrasyon ay dahil sa pulitika. So wala na akong nakita na ginawa ng administrasyon na ito para sa kapayapaan at kaunlaran ng ating bayan,” said Duterte when asked if she believes the probe had something to do with her support for Villar.

[Translation: Maybe because everything that the administration does is due to politics. I haven’t seen efforts from the administration for peace and prosperity.]

Duterte endorsed Villar, along with the 10-member slate of her father’s PDP Laban and re-electionist Sen. Imee Marcos.

The vice president earlier said she has known Villar for a long time as they have been sharing stories on motherhood. Villar has two children with husband Erwin Genuino, son of former Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation Chairman Efraim Genuino.

The senatorial candidate is a member of the administration’s Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas.

The Villars have yet to respond on the matter.

Prior to Marcos’ order, House Assistant Majority Leader Jay Khonghun said he will file a measure seeking to launch an investigation on PrimeWater operations.