Malaca±ang: The Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) has officially launched an investigation into PrimeWater Infrastructure Corp., owned by the Villar family, following increasing complaints about poor service, as confirmed by Malaca±ang.
According to Philippines News Agency, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro announced that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has ordered the investigation to scrutinize the water utility firm's 73 joint venture agreements with local water districts nationwide. Castro stated, "Nag-i-start na po ngayong araw na ito (The probe started today)," during a Palace briefing with reporters.
The investigation was prompted by numerous complaints from PrimeWater customers in provinces such as Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, Bohol, and Pangasinan, where residents have reported issues with water supply and high service charges. Castro emphasized that the probe is not politically motivated, addressing Vice President Sara Duterte's allegations that the administration is using the issue as a political tool against her for endorsing Senatorial candidate Camille Villar, daughter of Senator Cynthia Villar and former Senate President Manny Villar.
Furthermore, Castro pointed out that the unresolved issues with PrimeWater date back to the administration of Duterte's father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, during which the company significantly expanded. "Namayagpag naman po ang PrimeWater noong taong 2018 sa panahon po ni dating Pangulong Duterte (PrimeWater thrived in 2018 during the term of former President Duterte)," Castro noted.
Castro reiterated the government's responsibility to address the public's grievances, stating, "Kailangan pong trabahuhin, obligasyon po ng gobyerno at ng Pangulo na tugunan ang lahat ng hinaing ng taumbayan (This must be addressed. It is the obligation of the government and the President to respond to the people's grievances)."
Additionally, Castro urged the Vice President to engage in more constructive discourse, advising, "Sana po ay i-level up po natin, rason sa rason, datos sa datos. Huwag gamitan ng masasamang salita o pagmumura (Let's elevate the discussion, reason for reason, data for data. Let's avoid using foul language or insults)."
Castro also addressed Duterte's recurring use of 'politicking' to deflect issues, highlighting the Commission on Audit's (COA) findings of PHP12.3 billion in unsettled financial transactions at the Department of Education during Duterte's tenure as secretary. The COA's 2023 audit report criticized DepEd's alleged failure to address notices of suspension, disallowance, and charge, which increased from PHP11.4 billion in 2022 to PHP12.3 billion by the end of her term in June last year.
Duterte, who was impeached by the House of Representatives in February, is expected to face trial in the Senate, convening as an impeachment court, in July.
