PrimeWater customers should form a cooperative —Leody de Guzman

Senatorial candidate Leody de Guzman urged customers of the Villar-led PrimeWater Infrastructure Corp. and other local water firms to consider forming cooperatives instead of switching to another private provider.

Speaking to residents of Dasmariñas City on Sunday, De Guzman argued that transferring to another private water company would not necessarily lead to improved service.

“Hangga’t ang access sa tubig ay patuloy na pinagtutubuan, mauulit nang mauulit ang kalbaryo ng mga taga Dasmariñas. Kung palpak ang serbisyo nito tapos mahal pa ang singil, nararapat lang na umaksyon na ang mamamayan,” the labor leader said.

(As long as access to water remains profit-driven, the ordeal of Dasmariñas residents will continue. If the service is poor and the rates are high, the people have every right to take action.)

“Mas maige, kung silang consumers din ang mag-manage ng mga basic services ng kanilang komunidad kaysa sa mga bilyonaryong korporasyon na tubo lang ang interes at hindi serbisyo,” he added.

(It would be better if consumers themselves managed essential services in their communities, rather than entrusting them to billionaire corporations focused solely on profit.)

His remarks followed a proposal by a congressional candidate in Dasmariñas City to have west zone concessionaire Maynilad take over from PrimeWater due to service issues.

De Guzman cited a Commission on Audit report highlighting PrimeWater’s alleged failures, including its inability to provide 24/7 water supply, delays in repairing pumping stations, and the absence of a septage management system.

He also criticized Public-Private Partnerships between local governments and private companies, calling them a "Pandora’s box" that has led to widespread complaints, protests, and legal issues.

“Pandora’s box ang Public-Private partnerships ng LGU sa mga pribadong kumpanya para pasukin ang mga local water districts at electric coops. Kabi-kabila ang reklamo, protesta at mga kaso ang inaani ngayon ng mga taksil sa mamamayan,” he said.

GMA Integrated News is currently reaching out to the Villars and PrimeWater for comment. — DVM, GMA Integrated News

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