MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan — Bulacan’s top officials are putting the blame squarely on PrimeWater Infrastructure Corporation, calling out the Villar-owned utility firm for what they say are years of neglect and arrogance amid mounting complaints over dry taps.

Bulacan Vice Governor Alex Castro didn’t hold back in a fiery interview on April 28, describing the situation as one where “the public has been held hostage” by a private firm seemingly beyond the reach of local government.

“Ano ba ang accountability ng PrimeWater sa atin? Para tayong naka-hostage dito, salita lang tayo nang salita pero parang hindi naman tayo pinakikinggan,” said Castro. He attributed the company’s seeming impunity to statements from national officials suggesting that local governments have no control over PrimeWater.

“Merong parang secretary na nagsabi na walang kontrol ang LGU, na iyon ang lakas ng loob nila eh,” he added, in a clear swipe at the perceived legal shielding PrimeWater enjoys.

Governor Daniel Fernando echoed the outrage, describing PrimeWater’s service as “very poor” and a persistent source of suffering for Bulacan residents.

“Buhat po ‘nung nag-operate ang PrimeWater, talagang naging problema na ito,” said Fernando. He cited recent weekend water outages that left communities without supply for entire days — the latest episode in a long-running crisis marked by low pressure, unreliable service, and soaring bills.

Fernando has ordered the Sangguniang Panlalawigan to launch a formal probe into the company’s operations. “I am ready to issue an executive order if necessary,” he warned, hinting at stronger provincial action in the coming weeks.

SJDM Water District Moves to Terminate PrimeWater Deal

The Bulacan officials’ criticism follows a major move by the San Jose del Monte City Water District (SJDM WD), which has formally begun the process of terminating its joint venture with PrimeWater.

In a letter to Mayor Arturo Robes dated April 10, officials disclosed that the board had approved Resolution No. 15, Series of 2025, authorizing the issuance of a notice of intent to pre-terminate the agreement. The notice was served on April 7, and the matter is now with the Office of the Government Corporate Counsel.

“We issued the notice to PWIC last April 7, 2025 and referred the matter to our statutory counsel,” the letter stated.

Public Fury Over “Non-Stop Misery”

Frustration among residents continues to boil over, with families reporting weeks of dry faucets or dangerously weak water flow. Many have had to rely on costly bottled water for basic needs like cooking and bathing — a harsh blow to already cash-strapped households.

City officials have raised red flags over the public health implications, with the City Health Office increasing disease surveillance in anticipation of potential outbreaks of cholera, dysentery, and other waterborne illnesses.

To help contain the crisis, emergency tankers and mobile filtration units have been deployed, while water-sharing agreements have been pursued with nearby municipalities.

A Deal Born Under Duterte — and the Villars’ Watch

PrimeWater entered into its joint venture with the San Jose del Monte Water District in 2018, during the presidency of Rodrigo Duterte.

At the time, Mark Villar — brother of Camille Villar — served as Secretary of Public Works and Highways. PrimeWater is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Prime Asset Ventures Inc., which is controlled by their sibling, Manuel Paolo A. Villar.

The Villar dynasty, led by billionaire and former senator Manny Villar — the Philippines’ richest man — has long-standing business and political ties. Their mother, Senator Cynthia Villar, is nearing the end of her final Senate term. Mark Villar is halfway through his first term, while Camille Villar — a sitting congresswoman — is reportedly eyeing her mother’s Senate seat, hoping to join her brother in the upper chamber.

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