Sen Hontiveros seeks Senate probe on PrimeWater issues

Senator Risa Hontiveros and three opposition lawmakers in the House of Representatives are formally seeking an investigation into the lapses of PrimeWater, the utility firm owned by the Villar family that has taken over operations of numerous water districts across the country.

Hontiveros filed her resolution with the Senate on Monday, May 5, noting citizen complaints against private concessionaire PrimeWater during the dry season.

The Commission on Audit in its various reports has repeatedly flagged significant problems and irregularities in numerous water district joint venture agreements, raising serious concerns about their legality, economic viability, and impact on service quality and tariff rates.

Moves to terminate or legal challenges related to problematic public-private agreements underscore the necessity of clear contractual terms, robust legal norms, and effective dispute resolution mechanisms from the outset.

In the House, a resolution by Makabayan calls for the government enterprises and privatization to look into the detrimental impact of PrimeWater's operations, urging local government units to immediately initiate the pre-termination of joint venture agreements with PrimeWater.

PrimeWater has issued a statement welcoming any opportunity for an 'open and meaningful dialogue' to resolve people's concerns.