Senator Raffy Tulfo on Wednesday pressed for urgent reforms in the delivery of water services as complaints against several providers, particularly PrimeWater, continue to rise.
Tulfo, chair of the Senate Committee on Public Services, opened a hearing by citing the steady stream of grievances from households experiencing unreliable or insufficient water supply.
“Since our first hearing, the complaints we received have only increased. We have heard of cases being filed and of joint venture agreements already being terminated, but in many areas, the water situation still has not changed,” he said.
“I hope that before Christmas, the water supply for our millions of citizens is already fixed,” he added.
After conducting a survey following revelations in a September hearing, Tulfo reported that among PrimeWater’s 75 JVAs, 70 districts responded and 61 expressed dissatisfaction with the company’s performance.
Most of these districts also signaled their intention to end their partnership with the provider due to persistent service issues.
“Many want to withdraw, but most do not have the capability—lacking funds, lacking personnel, and still facing confusion about the legal process,” he said.
Tulfo said his committee is coordinating with the Office of the Government Corporate Counsel, local water districts, and other agencies to explore short-term interventions.
Possible measures include temporary takeover of operations by local districts, enforcement of performance bonds, mutual termination of JVAs, arbitration proceedings, catch-up plans, and arrangements with alternative providers.
He urged PrimeWater to cooperate with districts seeking mutual termination and to release valid performance bonds to support a smooth transition.
Senator Risa Hontiveros echoed the call, citing numerous online complaints about service quality.
“Refunds for consumers need to be studied and implemented, especially for those who paid every month but did not receive proper water service,” she said.
