09-07-2025
Marcos agrees with LWUA probe recommendation on PrimeWater — Palace
President Bongbong Marcos at presentation of the 50th Gawad Saka National Awardees and Ugnayan with Farmers on Monday, June 30, 2025 at the Science City of Muñoz in Nueva Ecija. RTVM screenshot
President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. concurs with the recommendation of the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) following its investigation into the operations of water service provider PrimeWater.
Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro said in a briefing Wednesday that Marcos has studied LWUA's report and already has an opinion on the matter.
However, Castro did not disclose LWUA's recommendation as it was not yet the right time.
"Ang Pangulo po ay naaral na po ang report mula sa LWUA, siya po mismo ang nag-aral nito at ang rekomendasyon po sa kanya ay kanya naman pong inayunan," Castro said.
(The President already studied the LWUA report and he agreed with the agency's recommendation.)
Marcos had directed an investigation into the operations of PrimeWater Infrastructure Corp. due to numerous service-related complaints.
The water service provider had vowed to be open to any meaningful dialogue that would resolve concerns as it also affirmed it is committed to cooperating with LWUA.
Last week, LWUA Administrator Jose Moises Salonga was asked if it included in its list of recommendations the termination of PrimeWater joint venture agreements (JVAs).
In response, he answered that the agency would prioritize putting water in people's pipes first.
Salonga also noted that the LWUA was previously an attached agency of Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), and the possible conflict may be linked to the previous officials of these offices.
Castro had said JVAs between PrimeWater and other local water districts increased in 2019, when LWUA was still an attached agency of the DPWH under the leadership of Senator Mark Villar.
For his part, Villar on Saturday denied any participation in JVAs entered into by PrimeWater and local water districts through the LWUA during his tenure as DPWH secretary.
Castro clarified on Monday that she did not insinuate that Villar had a hand in the PrimeWater deals.
PrimeWater Infrastructure Corp. is owned by the Villar family. — VDV, GMA Integrated News
