Marcos orders probe into PrimeWater’s unreliable water services

Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas senatorial candidate and ACT-CIS party-list Rep. Erwin Tulfo emphasized on Wednesday that it is time to review contracts with private companies like Villar-owned PrimeWater Infrastructure Corporation.

Tulfo stated during a press conference at Bulacan State University that if these companies fail to provide reliable services, their franchises should be canceled, suggesting the revocation of legislative franchise for erring public service concessionaires.

Former senator Panfilo Lacson, who supports President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s decision to investigate PrimeWater's operations due to complaints about service disruptions and high rates, called for Congress to conduct its own investigation.

Another Alyansa senatorial candidate Vicente Sotto III stressed that public utilities should be a priority because they are basic needs and suggested replacing erring companies with other providers if necessary.

Marcos ordered an investigation into PrimeWater’s services following allegations of unreliable and unaffordable water supply, with the Makabayan bloc in the House of Representatives filing a resolution seeking a congressional probe into joint venture agreements between PrimeWater and over 130 local water districts around the country.