Marcos on looking into Villar-owned firms: It’s not personal

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. said Tuesday that he has no personal issues with the Villar family after his administration launched a probe of its PrimeWater company and the revocation of the permit of SIPCOR. 

SIPCOR is a subsidiary of Villar Group’s Prime Asset Ventures while PrimeWater is also owned by the family.

“None of this is personal. You know, they are friends of mine and I respect them. But we have to fix the problem,” Marcos said in an episode of the BBM Podcast when asked if he has ill feelings towards the Villars. 

“Ako naman is just, we have to fix the problem. People have to have electricity. People have to have water. So whatever the reason is, let's fix it. Let's fix it. Let's just fix it. Help me. Help me fix it. I cannot fix it on my own. You need to help me,” he added. 

An investigation was launched in the operations of water service provider PrimeWater following complaints from its consumers. 

The firm has since vowed to be open to any meaningful dialogue that will resolve concerns as it also affirmed it is committed to cooperating with Local Water Utilities Administration. 

On the other hand, the Energy Regulatory Commission revoked SIPCOR's permit to operate as the power supplier of Siquijor province due to alleged violations of its compliance requirements. 

For its part, SIPCOR said it shall exhaust all remedies under the law but it assured its stakeholders and the public of its commitment to address the matter responsibly and resolve this concern as soon as possible. — RF, GMA Integrated News