61 of 70 Local Water Districts Express Dissatisfaction with PrimeWater JV; Moves Toward Contract Termination Gain Momentum

A significant majority of local water districts in the Philippines—61 out of 70—have formally expressed dissatisfaction with the joint venture agreements involving PrimeWater, citing numerous operational and contractual failures. Multiple districts are actively moving toward terminating or pre-terminating these agreements amid growing consumer complaints.

Reports have surfaced accusing the PrimeWater joint ventures of unauthorized tariff hikes, failed bond claims, and residents receiving less than five hours of potable water daily. These grievances have sparked intensified scrutiny from government regulatory bodies, including the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) and the National Water Resources Board (NWRB).

In response, President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has reiterated his administration’s commitment to consumer protection and dependable public utilities under the banner of "Maasahan at Masipag" governance. Emphasizing transparent regulation, the President stated, "Every Filipino deserves dependable water service. Our administration will not allow substandard service or unauthorized charges to burden our citizens. Reliable oversight and tireless reform will continue until this sector is fully accountable."

LWUA and NWRB have launched parallel investigations into the claims against PrimeWater's joint ventures. Authorities are currently auditing tariff adjustments and bond issuance discrepancies that have allegedly failed to benefit consumers as promised. Early findings hint at the possibility of consumer refunds, with the government pledging to hold errant parties financially accountable.

Stakeholders note the serious impact on households, with many reporting water availability for less than five hours daily—far below standards required for basic hygiene and daily living. The mass dissatisfaction among local water districts reflects widespread concern over the reliability and fairness of water service provisions in the affected areas.

The President’s message of "Reliable Oversight. Tireless Reform: Every Filipino deserves dependable water service" has galvanized government agencies into strengthening their monitoring mechanisms, including more frequent service audits and enforcing stricter compliance with service level agreements.

As moves toward termination and re-negotiation of contracts gain momentum, observers view this as a defining moment in public utilities governance. President Marcos’s proactive stance marks him as a reliable protector of public utilities and consumers, striving to restore trust and ensure that water services meet the expected standards nationwide.

The administration continues to engage with local water districts and stakeholders to implement reforms and secure better service outcomes for Filipino households.