Concerned over water service interruptions affecting communities, reelected Zambales 1st District Rep. Jay Khonghun on Thursday filed a resolution urging the House of Representatives to investigate the issues and alleged irregularities in the Joint Venture Agreements (JVAs) entered into by local water districts with PrimeWater Infrastructure Corp.
Khonghun filed House Resolution 22, calling on the appropriate House committee to conduct an inquiry, in aid of legislation, to examine the impact of these JVAs on the provision of public water services.
Citing the alleged widespread complaints over service failures and lack of accountability, the lawmaker highlighted the need to develop a strong legal and regulatory framework that ensures transparency, fairness, and public welfare in privatized utility partnerships.
“Water is not merely a commodity; it is life itself… Access to safe, clean, and affordable water is not a privilege, but a fundamental human right,” Khonghun said.
He said PrimeWater, a private water service provider under the Villar Group, has partnered with dozens of local water districts nationwide with JVAs, including Subic in Zambales. This effectively places the company in a position of significant influence over public water utilities, according to the district representative.
“Numerous reports and public testimonies have highlighted persistent inefficiencies in water supply and service delivery under PrimeWater’s management, including prolonged service interruptions, low water pressure, delayed leak repairs, and failure to fulfill infrastructure development commitments,” Khonghun said in his resolution.
“Consumers, local stakeholders, and civil society organizations have consistently raised grievances regarding PrimeWater’s lack of transparency and accountability, citing the company’s unresponsiveness to complaints, weak grievance redress mechanisms, and perceived prioritization of profit over the public’s right to water,” he added.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline: “Lawmaker seeks House probe on PrimeWater”
