Senate Committee on Public Services Chairperson Senator Raffy Tulfo expressed strong dismay over the continuing complaints he has been receiving from consumers regarding the poor services of water providers in various parts of the country, including PrimeWater.
During his committee’s hearing, Tulfo noted that the issues surrounding PrimeWater’s service were already raised during the September 29 hearing. However, based on the continued influx of complaints, it appears that no significant improvement has been made in the areas covered by the company.
“Today, our focus is on creating immediate, tangible solutions. Sana bago mag-Pasko, maayos na ang tubig ng milyon-milyon nating kababayan. And we can start by looking at the developments that took place since our first hearing. Lalo pang dumami ang natanggap naming reklamo. May mga kasuhan kaming nababalitaan, mayroong mga termination na ng JVAs, pero para sa maraming lugar, hindi pa rin nagbabago ang sitwasyon sa tubig,” the legislator said.
The lawmaker shared that his Office also conducted a survey involving local water districts with Joint Venture Agreements (JVAs) with major water providers, including PrimeWater, to help understand and address the issue.
Of PrimeWater’s 75 JVAs, 70 local water districts responded to the survey, and 61 of them expressed dissatisfaction with PrimeWater’s services. Worse, most of them already want to cut ties with the company.
“But only a minority have the capacity to actually take over. Among the 52 local water districts that are already in the pre-termination or termination track, only around 21 have both the technical and financial capability to resume full control. Ibig sabihin, marami ang gustong kumalas, pero karamihan ay walang sapat na kakayahan – kulang sa pondo, kulang sa tao, at nalilito pa sa legal na proseso,” the senator said.
“From our survey findings, one issue stood out louder than the rest: PrimeWater’s failure to deliver on its promises.”
“From our survey findings, one issue stood out louder than the rest: PrimeWater’s failure to deliver on its promises,” he added.
Tulfo further lamented how, since 2022, PrimeWater has been earning billions, but it is not being felt by their consumers.
“Year after year, PrimeWater’s loans ballooned – ₱270 million in 2014 to almost ₱24 billion in 2024. Ang tanong: Saan napunta ang bilyon-bilyong loan na ito?” he asked.
While the issue is still being address, Tulfo shared that his Committee continues to work with the Office of the Government Corporate Counsel (OGCC), Local Water Districts, and relevant agencies to explore short-term solutions.
These include assumption of operations by water districts, claiming of performance bonds, mutual termination of JVAs, implementation of catch-up plans and engagement of alternative water providers.
Ultimately, he urged PrimeWater to cooperate in mutual termination agreements, release valid performance bonds, and allow capable local water districts to regain control in the interest of the Filipino people.
“There’s still a chance for you to be the solution.”
“PrimeWater, we ask you to meet us halfway. If you want this problem to go away, maybe it’s time to walk away. There’s still a chance for you to be the solution, allow for a smooth mutual termination for those JVAs that wish to terminate. Help them recover from your performance bond. Consider this option,” Tulfo said.
“If not, hahaba lang ang usapan natin dito. Mag Pa-Pasko na at tubig parin ang nasa wishlist ng ating mga kababayan. Kaya handa akong mag hearing ng mag-hearing tungkol dito hangga’t may dumadaloy na reklamo tungkol sa tubig nila,” he added.
