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Solons eye probe into deal between Villars' PrimeWater and local water district

Article (news)

Vivienne Gulla

ABS-CBN News

<p>MANILA — A House inquiry into the joint venture agreement between PrimeWater and San Jose Del Monte City Water District was sought, following water service issues reported by SJDM residents.</p><p>Lawmakers from the Makabayan bloc at the House of Representatives filed on Tuesday, May 6, the House Resolution 2279, directing the House Committee on Government Enterprises and Privatization to conduct an urgent investigation in aid of legislation.</p><p>The probe will also cover the effect of PrimeWater’s joint venture agreements on the financial viability of local water districts, the quality and affordability of water services, and the well-being of consumers, according to the resolution.</p><p>It cited reports from consumers in San Jose Del Monte City, who claimed of experiencing “chronic water shortages and high water bills,” as well as “slow action and response to residents’ complaints and issues” on water services.</p><p>Among the issues cited in the resolution are “dirty water discharge from the tap,” “poor and intermittent water flow averaging two hours per day,” and “water shortages lasting for as long as two days.” These have forced residents to store water.</p><p>The Makabayan lawmakers tagged as “band-aid solutions” the water rations provided by PrimeWater and the static water tanks they set up around San Jose Del Monte City.</p><p>The House resolution was signed by ACT Teachers Party-list representative France Castro, Gabriela Party-list representative Arlene Brosas, and Kabataan Party-list representative Raoul Manuel.</p><p>“Basic necessity ng tao ‘yung tubig. Isang araw ka lang mawalan ng tubig, talagang kakainis na. So what more ‘yung mga araw na tinitiis ng ating mga kababayan, araw-araw na poor services ng water,” Castro said.</p><p>“Efficiency ang habol, at mahusay na pagbibigay serbisyo publiko sa mamamayan ang pwede nating gawin. Pero ang nangyari ay hindi naging ganoon. So ngayon, dapat maging accountable ang PrimeWater dito sa usapin na ito. Kaya pinaiimbestigahan natin. Sana magkaroon ng hearing kaugnay dito immediately,” Brosas added.</p><p>“Hindi natin matanggap na ang choice ng mga kababayan natin sa ilalim ng PrimeWater ay tubig o tulog. Kailangan hindi sila muna matulog kasi madaling araw nagiging okay ‘yung water flow. Magsasakripisyo sila ng ganoon,&quot; Manuel noted .</p><p>&quot;Hindi tama ‘yun, hindi ‘yun makatao. Sobrang perwisyo sa buhay ng mga estudyante, mga kabataan, at lahat ng mga kababayan natin, itong naging kapalpakan ng PrimeWater na supposedly ay magpo-provide ng efficient na water services sa ating mga kababayan,” he added.</p><p>House Assistant Majority Leader and Lanao del Sur 1st District Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong also believed the matter is “worth looking into,” citing the “serious allegations” against PrimeWater’s services. </p><p>“It&#x27;s worth to look into. Tingnan natin. Kasi seryosong bagay. Dapat nga, ako sa aking palagay, dapat nga natin i-commend that when it comes to public service, partisan affiliation does not matter. Pagdating sa pagbibigay serbisyo sa publiko, secondary na lang ‘yung concern natin doon sa political alliances. Kasi what&#x27;s important really is the services to the people,” he said.</p><p>President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. previously ordered an investigation on PrimeWater, following numerous complaints from consumers on the Villar-owned water utility firm over its allegedly poor service.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/business/2025/4/30/marcos-orders-probe-on-villar-owned-primewater-over-complaints-of-poor-service-1956">Marcos orders probe on Villar-owned PrimeWater over complaints of poor service</a></div><p>Prior to this, Bulacan provincial officials called for the revocation of the joint venture agreements between various water districts in the province and PrimeWater, amid mounting complaints over the lack of water supply in a number of municipalities. They have also appealed for the national government to intervene.</p><p>On Monday, the Local Water Utilities Administration said it is already investigating the matter.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/5/5/lwua-investigates-primewater-over-complaints-of-poor-service-1430">LWUA investigates PrimeWater over complaints of poor service</a></div><p>In a statement last Friday, PrimeWater said it is open to a meaningful dialogue to resolve concerns and committed to cooperating fully with LWUA. It also gave assurances that it is intensifying initiatives to address the requirements and satisfy the demand particularly in challenged service areas. PrimeWater said it is fully committed to fulfilling its obligations with partners.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/business/2025/5/2/primewater-probe-not-due-to-politics-malaca-ang-1412">PrimeWater probe not due to politics: Malacañang</a></div><div><strong>RELATED VIDEO:</strong></div><div style="text-align:center"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ng4zcmVvzoE?si=p6NUhxQ0n0wYmNsT" title="YouTube video player" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><br/></div>

<p>A House inquiry into the joint venture agreement between PrimeWater and San Jose Del Monte City Water District was sought, following water service issues reported by SJDM residents.</p>

A House inquiry into the joint venture agreement between PrimeWater and San Jose Del Monte City Water District was sought, following water service issues reported by SJDM residents.

Solons eye probe into deal between Villars' PrimeWater and San Jose Del Monte local water district

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Solons eye probe into deal between Villars' PrimeWater and San Jose Del Monte local water district

Vivienne Gulla,

ABS-CBN News

Published May 06, 2025 06:08 PM PHT

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House of Representatives

PrimeWater

Villar

ABSnews

Makabayan bloc

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