Manila: A resolution was filed in the Senate on Monday seeking to investigate joint venture agreements (JVAs) between government water districts and private concessionaires, citing findings from the Commission on Audit (COA) that flagged several of the contracts as 'disadvantageous.'

According to Philippines News Agency, Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros emphasized the need for scrutiny of water concessionaires amid a surge in consumer complaints, particularly against PrimeWater Infrastructure Corp. Hontiveros highlighted that many Filipinos are demanding better service, especially during the dry season.

The senator filed Proposed Senate Resolution No. 1352, urging the Senate Committee on Public Services to examine the legality and accountability mechanisms of JVAs between water districts and private firms, including PrimeWater, Manila Water Philippine Ventures, and Metro Pacific Water Investments Corp.

Hontiveros criticized the inadequate service provided by some water concessionaires, drawing attention to the vague and complex terms of the agreements highlighted in multiple COA reports. She noted that these agreements could harm the financial stability of local water districts, using the San Jose del Monte Water District as an example of financial decline post-JVA.

Reports of poor water supply and rising tariffs in areas serviced by PrimeWater, such as Bulacan and Bacolod City in Negros Occidental, have led to protests and calls for government intervention. Hontiveros mentioned that 11 water districts are reportedly eager to terminate their joint venture agreements, suggesting the issue could be more widespread.

While Malaca±ang has indicated its intent to investigate PrimeWater's performance, Hontiveros stressed the necessity of Senate action to fully understand the issue's scope and review the role of oversight bodies like the Local Water Utilities Administration, the National Water Resources Board, COA, and the Public-Private Partnership Center.