A survey conducted by the office of Senator Raffy Tulfo revealed widespread dissatisfaction among local water districts partnered with PrimeWater Infrastructure Corporation, a utility owned by the Villar family, with nearly 50 seeking to terminate their joint venture agreements (JVAs).
Of the 75 water districts in JVAs with PrimeWater, 70 participated in the survey, and 61 reported dissatisfaction.
“Sa madaling salita, karamihan sa kanila, gusto nang makalaya,” Tulfo said in a committee hearing on Wednesday, December 3.
“From our survey findings, one issue stood out louder than the rest: PrimeWater’s failure to deliver on its promises,” he added.
According to the survey, 24 districts have issued pre-termination notices, 25 are preparing to start the process, and three — San Pedro City Water District (Laguna), Metro San Fernando Water District (La Union), and San Jose del Monte City Water District (Bulacan) — have already terminated their deals.
The complaints include undelivered projects, financial red flags, substandard water quality, and deteriorating facilities. Consumers also reported frequent service interruptions and high water bills, prompting ongoing congressional inquiries.