Mark Villar denies hand on surge of PrimeWater joint venture deals

Metro Manila, Philippines - Sen. Mark Villar denied on Saturday, July 5, any involvement in the joint venture deals of his family’s PrimeWater Infrastructure Corp., which the Palace said surged during his time as chief of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

In a statement, Villar said he has “no direct or indirect ownership or controlling interest” in the company.

“During my tenure as Secretary of Public Works, I did not participate in any capacity whatsoever in any transactions or potential transactions between PrimeWater and any of its partner districts,” he said.

Villar added that his focus was to build “critical community infrastructure” as DPWH chief.

On Friday, Malacañang said the surge in joint venture agreements involving PrimeWater happened when the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) was an attached agency of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), then led by Villar.

The son of former senators Cynthia and Manny Villar headed the agency from 2016 to 2021 under the Duterte administration.

LWUA Administrator Jose Moises Salonga said their internal investigation into PrimeWater deals has been completed, including a historical review of how the agreements came about, including potential red flags.

A number of lawmakers have sought an inquiry into the company’s operations and joint ventures in the wake of mounting complaints from consumers covered by its franchise.