Senator Risa Hontiveros on Monday called for a Senate investigation into joint venture agreements between public water districts and private companies, citing mounting complaints and damning audit findings.
“No one is too big to be investigated. These water concessionaires need to be scrutinized because too many of our fellow citizens are extremely thirsty for proper service from them, especially now during the dry season,” she said.
Hontiveros filed Senate Resolution No. 1352, urging the Senate Committee on Public Services to review deals involving companies like PrimeWater Infrastructure Corp., Manila Water Philippine Ventures, and Metro Pacific Water Investments Corp.
She raised concerns that some of these contracts, flagged by the Commission on Audit, were allegedly vague, complex, and disadvantageous to the public.
“We cannot overlook contracts as unclear as the water coming out of some households who have fallen victim to the negligence of water concessionaires and oversight agencies,” she said.
Hontiveros acknowledged the Palace’s move to launch a probe into PrimeWater but said the Senate must act independently based on existing audit reports.
She noted that 11 water districts are reportedly seeking to terminate their joint ventures, suggesting broader systemic issues.
According to the senator, there is enough basis for immediate executive action even as investigations continue.
“Our fellow citizens are complaining that they’re still being charged even when barely any water comes out of their taps. It’s time we hold the water concessionaires and other agencies, who are supposed to provide uninterrupted service, accountable,” Hontiveros concluded.