Cancel PrimeWater JVAs? Palace says due process must be followed

Malacañang on Friday underscored its stance for due process amid the call for President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. to cancel the joint venture agreements between PrimeWater and other local water districts.

''Unang-una po, ang Pangulo at ang administrasyon ay naniniwala po sa due process... Aalamin po natin lahat kung ano ba, kung may anomalya, kung anuman ang pagkukulang, at ano pa iyong dapat na ipahinto,'' Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro said in a briefing.

(First of all, the President and his administration believe on due process. We will check if there are anomalies and what's needed to be stopped.)

On Thursday, Bayan Muna party-list asked Marcos to issue an executive order to review and initiate the process of the cancellation of existing joint venture agreements between PrimeWater and local water districts.

Led by 3rd nominee Ferdinand Gaite, the Bayan Muna party-list filed the complaint before the Office of the President. 

“Bayan Muna Party-List demands the cancellation of all JVAs between PrimeWater and local water districts, and for an immediate provision of clean and affordable water for affected residents nationwide,” the complaint read.

The complaint stemmed “from the grave concern regarding the widespread complaints and grievances and the breach of contract resulting from the substandard services of PrimeWater to the people.”

Marcos has already directed an investigation into the water service provider and its operations amid the complaints from customers.

The party-list also wants the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) to take immediate steps to reassume the full management and operation of the affected water districts.

The LWUA is the lead agency that will conduct an investigation into PrimeWater’s alleged service deficiencies.

Previously, PrimeWater said it welcomes “any opportunity for an open and meaningful dialogue to resolve concerns and commit to cooperating with LWUA.”

The company added that it is intensifying its initiatives to address the requirements and satisfy the demand, particularly those in challenged areas.

“Rest assured that we remain fully committed to fulfilling our obligations with our partners to deliver the long-term improvements necessary for stable, reliable, and sustainable water in our service areas,” PrimeWater said. —VAL, GMA Integrated News