03-07-2025
House probe on PrimeWater services sought
Zambales Rep. Jefferson Khonghun filed House Resolution 22 to investigate these joint venture agreements between PrimeWater and local water districts. (File photo)
A congressional inquiry on the joint venture agreements (JVAs) between PrimeWater Infrastructure Corporation and local water districts has been sought in the House of Representatives.
Zambales Rep. Jefferson Khonghun made the call under his House Resolution 22, saying there is a need to investigate these agreements and their impact on the provision of water services to their customers.
PrimeWater, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Prime Asset Ventures Inc. owned by Paolo Villar, brother of Senators Mark and Camille Villar, has entered into numerous JVAs with local water districts across the Philippines.
This includes the water districts in Subic, Zambales, which is part of Khonghun's constituency, as well as in Bulacan, Cavite, Camarines Norte, Pampanga, among others.
'Numerous reports and public testimonies have highlighted persistent inefficiencies in water supply and service delivery under PrimeWater's management, including prolonged service interruptions, low water pressure, delayed leak repairs, and failure to fulfill infrastructure development commitments,' the resolution read.
'Such operational deficiencies and corporate practices raise serious concerns about the suitability of public-private partnerships in the water sector, particularly when public welfare is subordinated to private gain, thereby eroding public trust and weakening institutional safeguards,' it added.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has already ordered the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) to investigate PrimeWater.
LWUA submitted its report to the President this week.
Still, Khonghun said that pending the President's feedback, residents of Subic, Zambales have repeatedly expressed frustration over PrimeWater's unreliable service, including multiple emergency disruptions in April 2025 alone, with some outages lasting nearly an entire day and affecting several barangays.
He then cited that the Sangguniang Bayan of Subic, Zambales already adopted Resolution No. 29, Series of 2025 urging the Subic Water District (SWD) to terminate its JVA with PrimeWater due to chronic service failures and widespread public dissatisfaction.
This move, the lawmaker said, reflects the growing discontent among local governments with privatized utility services and underscores the broader need for stronger governance, accountability, and oversight in public-private partnerships.
Last June 11, the Palace also said that PrimeWater made a commitment to repair the pump stations in Bulacan to ensure enough water supply to schools.
In a statement, PrimeWater had also said it is facilitating the rehabilitation of the Barihan pumping station, which had a 'sudden decrease' in production from 12 liters per second to six liters per second since June 9.—LDF, GMA Integrated News
