The Water for the People Network (WPN) hailed as a people’s victory the termination the San Jose Del Monte (SJDM) joint venture agreement (JVA) with tycoon Manuel Villar’s PrimeWater Infrastructure Corp, recently announced by Mayor Florida Robes.
WPN expressed its solidarity with the consumers of SJDM and all Filipino water consumers, calling this development “a testament to the justness of the people’s struggle against water privatization and the need to intensify it nationwide.”
PrimeWater operates 77 JVAs with local water districts (LWDs) across the Philippines but has communities have decried the company’s dismal record of inadequate and murky water supply and rising rates.
A recent Senate Committee on Public Services hearing and Commission on Audit (COA) findings revealed that many PrimeWater JVAs left LWDs bankrupt and that the company failed to meet key contractual obligations, including proper remittances to public partners.
WPN noted that Mayor Robes’ decision carries particular significance, as she was among those who previously facilitated PrimeWater’s entry into SJDM.
The move was made amid growing and persistent public pressure from the Alliance for Consumer Protection, People’s Rights Network as well as the broader movement of consumers and advocates who have long opposed water privatization.
Malacañang and other national agencies ordered investigations into PrimeWater’s operations following years of pressure from people’s organizations including WPN, and progressive lawmakers.
Advocates have likewise called for scrutiny of other private water firms such as Lucio Co’s Pamana, the Pangilinan Group’s MetroPac Water, and the Ayalas’ Manila Water, which have faced consumer complaints further discrediting privatization.
Despite over 15 attempts to terminate PrimeWater’s contracts this year, WPN Spokesperson Leo Espelimbergo cautioned that none have yet been fully implemented.
“PrimeWater has repeatedly circumvented local petitions, as seen in Bacolod and Metro San Fernando, La Union,” Espelimbergo said. “What’s equally alarming is that no comprehensive plan has been put forward to ensure continuous water service in these water-stressed areas once the JVAs are revoked.”
“This development strengthens our resolve,” Espelimbergo stated. “We will continue to demand immediate water service provision, full transparency in all JVAs, the rescinding of harmful contracts, and the public reclaiming of water systems. We will not forget how politicians and big business collude for profit — often co-opting people’s language or silencing critics in the process. The people will remain vigilant.”
WPN also expressed support for Engr. Calajate, former SJDM Water District Board Chair, who faces false perjury charges after exposing officials who facilitated the PrimeWater deal.
“The fight is far from over,” Espelimbergo said. “But every victory, like this one in San Jose del Monte, brings us closer to reclaiming water as a public good — not a private commodity.” #
