Alyansa bets on PrimeWater: Replace provider, review franchise rules

Metro Manila, Philippines - Administration senatorial candidates have suggested a change in water provider and franchise rules review amid complaints against their ally’s utility firm.

The family of Alyansa candidate and Las Piñas Rep. Camille Villar owns PrimeWater Infrastructure Corporation.

In a press conference on Wednesday, May 7 in Bulacan, members of the Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas said public welfare should be prioritized.

Former Senate President Vicente Sotto III said they will support whatever would benefit consumers.

“Basic needs are always important. Hindi pwedeng may kawalan. So, kung may privatized na tapos hindi nagde-deliver nang mabuti, palitan. Bakit magtitiis?” he said.

[Translation: Nothing should be lacking. So, if there is already a privatized operation and it did not deliver well, replace it. Why should you endure it?]

ACT-CIS party-list Rep. Erwin Tulfo, meanwhile, raised that franchise rules should be reviewed.

“Kasi sabi 25 years… kahit na walang ka-turya-turya ‘yung hinayupak na services niya, tuloy-tuloy pa rin,” he said. “Siguro high time that Congress and Senate will review, kung hindi na kailangan 25, kung talagang hindi ka na makapag-deliver nang maayos na serbisyo, dapat ikansela na ‘yung franchise.”

[Translation: The utility franchise is 25 years. Even though the services are dissatisfactory, it still goes on. Maybe it is high time that Congress should review the franchise rules. If it cannot deliver well, cancel the franchise.]

Tulfo also criticized what he called late action of agencies handling water services such as the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA), saying it is impossible that the issue has not reached them. LWUA has been investigating PrimeWater’s operations following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s order.

Former Senator Panfilo Lacson said they will launch a Senate probe on the matter should they get elected.

“We can also conduct our own investigation or inquiry kung bakit nagkaganyan kasi utility, basic need ng ating mga kababayan ‘yung tubig at kung marami na ang nagrereklamo, ‘di lang isang lugar, ibig sabihin hindi isolated ‘yung case, ‘yung isyu,” he said.

[Translation: We can also conduct our own investigation or inquiry why the services were like that because utility like water is a basic need of our fellow Filipinos. If several people are complaining, not just in one area, it means the issue is not isolated.]

Vice President Sara Duterte, now the president’s foe and who endorsed Villar’s candidacy, said the government probe is politically motivated. The Palace denied the allegation.

The Makabayan bloc has filed a resolution to look into the joint venture agreements between PrimeWater and local water districts.

PrimeWater consumers have been complaining about unadvised interrupted service, weak and dirty water flow, and high rates.