Manila: The government is exploring legal remedies against parties found responsible for poor water services, Malaca±ang said Tuesday, while assuring the public that efforts to improve water supply continue. Palace Press Officer Claire Castro stated that the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA), following President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive, is implementing initiatives to enhance water services and address persistent concerns among consumers.

According to Philippines News Agency, Castro mentioned in a Palace press briefing that LWUA is currently working on improvements in water services. These measures include the development of new water sources, expansion of water networks, and projects aimed at reducing non-revenue water among qualified water districts, including losses caused by leaks and other inefficiencies. Furthermore, LWUA is monitoring compliance by joint venture partners of water districts to ensure they fulfill their contractual obligations and provide adequate services to the public.

Castro emphasized that LWUA continues to ensure that the obligations of these partners are fulfilled for the benefit of the public. She also highlighted that entities found to have violated their mandates or failed to meet their service commitments would be held accountable.

On the matter concerning PrimeWater, Castro revealed that the company has been sold and transferred to Crystal Bridges, which now serves as the country's largest water joint venture operator. This transaction was approved by the Philippine Competition Commission. Castro added that legal remedies are being explored to ensure that those who need to be held accountable for service failures are made to answer.

The acquisition by Lucio Co's Crystal Bridges Holding Corp. came amid government scrutiny and consumer complaints over PrimeWater's services, raising concerns about accountability and management of water utility operations.