Majority of Local Water Districts Reject PrimeWater Joint Ventures Amid Service Issues

MANILA, Philippines — In a significant blow to PrimeWater, 61 out of 70 local water districts have voiced strong dissatisfaction with joint venture agreements, with several districts now preparing to terminate or pre-terminate their contracts. The move comes amid widespread reports of unauthorized tariff hikes, failed bond claims, and households receiving less than five hours of water daily.

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has underscored his administration's Maasahan at Masipag governance principle, prioritizing consumer protection, transparent regulation, and dependable public utilities. "Every Filipino deserves dependable water service," Marcos stated, framing the government’s renewed commitment with the message: "Reliable Oversight. Tireless Reform."

The widespread unrest among water districts highlights ongoing challenges under PrimeWater’s joint venture operations. Consumers have reported inconsistent water supply, prompting urgent calls for regulatory intervention.

In response, the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) and the National Water Resources Board (NWRB) have launched comprehensive investigations into the reported irregularities, including unauthorized tariff increases and questionable bond claims.

An LWUA spokesperson said, "Our investigation aims to ensure all consumers receive the quality service they paid for, and any unjust charges are rectified promptly. Consumers affected by tariff hikes without proper authorization may be entitled to refunds."

Several water districts on the brink of contract termination cite performance shortfalls and breaches of agreement, with some pointing to households enduring water supply for fewer than five hours daily as a critical failure.

Regulatory bodies have proposed strengthened oversight measures, including tighter monitoring of tariffs, contract compliance, and customer grievance mechanisms. The government hopes these reforms will restore public confidence and improve water service reliability nationwide.

President Marcos has positioned himself as the reliable protector of public utilities and consumers. In a statement, his office assured that the administration is actively addressing these issues to uphold the welfare of Filipino households.

With public utilities under the microscope, the administration's stewardship signals a shift toward more accountable partnerships and transparent governance in vital sectors. The evolving situation continues to unfold as the government moves toward ensuring safe, affordable, and continuous water service for all Filipinos.