Marcos orders probe into PrimeWater over consumer complaints

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered an investigation into private water utility firm PrimeWater due to widespread consumer complaints about poor service and high rates.

Malacañang confirmed on Friday that the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) officially launched an investigation into PrimeWater Infrastructure Corp., which is owned by Manuel Paolo A. Villar, a child of Philippines' richest couple, Manny and Cynthia Villar.

Bulacan provincial officials called for the revocation of joint venture agreements with PrimeWater amid mounting complaints over water shortages in several municipalities.

Civil society organizations and local governments are already conducting investigations into PrimeWater deals, citing disadvantageous income shares for the government and years-long suffering for residents due to inadequate service.

Zambales Representative Jefferson Khonghun has announced plans to launch a congressional investigation into PrimeWater's operations nationwide.

President Marcos Jr.'s directive comes as complaints have piled up from PrimeWater customers in provinces such as Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, Bohol, and Pangasinan over water supply issues and high service charges.