Malacañang on Wednesday, December 17, clarified that the impending takeover of PrimeWater Infrastructure Corporation by a group led by business tycoon Lucio Co would not automatically absolve the Villar family of accountability for the company’s past operations.
Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said any liabilities would be determined based on findings and documentation compiled by the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA), which continues to scrutinize PrimeWater amid complaints over water service disruptions.
“Ang mga lapses or liabilities ng PrimeWater as the management, kung ano po ang kanilang maaaring mga kakulangan o naging liabilities ay dapat pong mapanagot,” Castro said.
Castro also highlighted upcoming consumer protection measures, noting that LWUA is expected to issue a memorandum circular barring water concessionaires from charging customers during service interruptions.
“Ang mga consumers po ay hindi dapat singilin kung wala naman po talagang serbisyong naibibigay ang PrimeWater. So, hintayin po natin ang memorandum circular na ilalabas po ng LWUA patungkol po dito,” Castro said.
PrimeWater, previously controlled by the Villar family, has faced prolonged service interruptions and erratic water supply, prompting congressional probes, LWUA investigations, and moves by local governments to terminate joint venture agreements.
LWUA continues to assess whether past lapses warrant penalties despite the looming change in ownership to Crystal Bridges Holdings Corporation, led by Co.