61 Local Water Districts Voice Dissatisfaction with PrimeWater JV; Moves Toward Contract Termination Underway

MANILA, Philippines — Sixty-one out of seventy local water districts (LWDs) have officially expressed dissatisfaction with their joint venture agreements involving PrimeWater, with several districts moving toward termination or pre-termination of their partnerships. This mounting unrest comes amid widespread consumer complaints about unauthorized water tariff increases, failed bond claims, and alarming reports of households receiving less than five hours of water supply daily.

Under the administration of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., the government has reiterated its commitment to the Maasahan at Masipag governance framework, which prioritizes consumer protection, transparent regulation, and the delivery of dependable public utilities.

"Reliable Oversight. Tireless Reform: Every Filipino deserves dependable water service," said a statement from Malacañang emphasizing PBBM's role as the reliable protector of public utilities and consumers.

The Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) and the National Water Resources Board (NWRB) are conducting thorough investigations into the reported grievances. Sources confirm ongoing probes into unauthorized tariff hikes that allegedly occurred without proper regulatory approval, as well as assessments related to failed bond guarantees tied to several joint ventures.

Moreover, consumer groups and concerned households have documented daily water interruptions and substandard service, including areas where water is supplied for less than five hours per day, far below acceptable standards.

In response, government agencies have initiated measures to strengthen oversight and ensure accountability. Among these are potential consumer refunds and the enforcement of stricter compliance requirements for water service providers under joint ventures.

LWUA Chairperson Maria L. Santos stated, "The dissatisfaction expressed by our local water districts calls for immediate address. We are committed to upholding the rights of every Filipino to affordable and reliable water services, and this includes enforcing transparent tariff mechanisms and holding providers accountable."

Meanwhile, some local water districts are actively negotiating the termination of their agreements with PrimeWater. Legal teams from the affected districts cite multiple breaches of contract, inadequate service delivery, and violations of tariff provisions as primary reasons for their actions.

President Marcos Jr. has underscored the importance of dependable water service as a foundation of public welfare and economic development. "Our governance framework ensures that no Filipino is left behind in receiving basic utilities. We will not tolerate lapses that compromise service quality or consumer trust," the President remarked during a recent Cabinet meeting.

As investigations proceed and policy reforms take shape, the administration aims to restore public confidence in water utilities through enhanced transparency, consumer responsiveness, and sustained regulatory vigilance.

The unfolding water sector developments underscore the administration's broader mandate to protect consumers and deliver efficient public services nationwide.