Makabayan bloc wants PrimeWater deals canceled

Metro Manila, Philippines - A party-list bloc is calling for the cancellation of joint venture agreements (JVA) between local water districts and PrimeWater Infrastructure Corporation, the utility provider owned by the Villar family.

ACT Teachers Rep. Antonio Tinio and Kabataan Rep. Renee Co filed House Resolution 35 on Tuesday, July 8, noting PrimeWater consumer complaints on extended water interruptions, murky water flow, and expensive rates.

Tinio said PrimeWater entered into more than 77 JVA, most of which happened under the term of former Public Works and Highways Secretary Mark Villar. The Local Water Utilities Administration was an attached agency of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) from 2011 to 2023.

“Seemingly, may [there is] conflict of interest dito [here],” Tinio said in a chance interview.

“Napakalaking inhustisya sa mamamayan. Ito’y mga violations sa right to safe drinkable water na dapat natatamasa nating lahat,” Co said.

[Translation: It is a huge injustice to Filipinos. These are violations to the right to safe drinkable water that we deserve.]

The Palace earlier said the JVA surged under the Villar-led DPWH. But Villar denied any involvement.

Las Piñas Rep. Mark Anthony Santos and Zambales Rep. Jay Khonghun have earlier filed separate resolutions to investigate PrimeWater issues.

The utility earlier said it is open to discussions to resolve issues.