Marcos wants swift, thorough probe on PrimeWater - Palace

Metro Manila, Philippines- President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is calling for an immediate and comprehensive investigation on a water utility in the wake of mounting complaints about poor service and high charges, Malacañang said Tuesday.

“Sa ngayon po nag-iimbestiga na po at titingnan po natin kung kailan po ito matatapos, pero dapat po agaran po ito. Hindi po pinagtatagal ang anumang maaaring danasing kahirapan ang taumbayan. So, makakaasa po kayo ng mabilisang pag-aksyon po dito ng Pangulo,” Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said in a press briefing, referring to PrimeWater Infrastructure Corporation.

[Translation: The investigation is already underway and we’ll see when it will be completed, but it must be swift. The President will not allow the public to suffer needlessly. You can expect prompt action from him.]

PrimeWater, owned by the Villar family, said on May 2 it is open to engaging with the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) to address service-related issues. The company vowed full cooperation with the agency, which is handling the probe. LWUA regulates water utilities in areas outside Metro Manila.

“We assure our public that we are intensifying our initiatives to address the requirements and satisfy the demand particularly those in challenged service areas,” the company said in a statement.

“Rest assured that we remain fully committed to fulfilling our obligations with our partners to deliver the long-term improvements necessary for a stable, reliable, and sustainable water in our service areas,” it added.

Senator Risa Hontiveros and three lawmakers in the House of Representatives have sought a probe on the lapses of PrimeWater.

Vice President Sara Duterte said the investigation may be politically motivated after she endorsed the Senate bid of Las Piñas Rep. Camille Villar. Malacañang has denied the accusation.

The Villar family is a political ally of the president. The congresswoman is a scion of the landed Villar and Aguilar families.