Palace: PrimeWater to be held liable if proven at fault

Malacañang on Wednesday gave assurance that PrimeWater Infrastructure Corp. would still be held accountable if it is found to be liable over its alleged poor water services to consumers.

During a press briefing, Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro gave this assurance even as PrimeWater, owned by the Villar Group, has entered into definitive agreements with Lucio Co Group’s Crystal Bridges Holding Corp. for the former's acquisition.

Castro said that even with the impending change of ownership, PrimeWater would still be made to settle any outstanding liabilities.

“Sa ngayon po, nakausap po natin at nagri-report naman po ang LWUA sa Pangulo. Ang mga lapses o liabilities ng PrimeWater bilang management—kung ano man po ang kanilang mga naging kakulangan—ay dapat pong mapanagot,” Castro said.

(We are told that the LWUA is reporting updates to the President. Primewater should be held accountable for any lapses or liabilities as management.)

“Depende po ito sa mga magiging report o dokumentong makakalap upang maipakita kung mayroon ngang liability ang PrimeWater,” Castro clarified.

(Sanctions will depend on the reports or documents that will be gathered to establish whether PrimeWater has liabilities.)

In a statement, the Villar Group said Crystal Bridges would “acquire PrimeWater’s entire portfolio of operations across the Philippines” upon completion of the transactions.

Crystal Bridges is owned by businessman Lucio Co, who also owns Puregold Price Club Inc. and membership shopping chain S&R.

PrimeWater operates water and sewage systems across the Philippines, including joint projects with local water districts, large-scale water supply, and wastewater management.

The announcement came amid scrutiny over alleged service deficiencies of the Villar-led water service provider.

In May, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. ordered an investigation into PrimeWater’s operations following complaints over its services.

PrimeWater president Roberto Fabrique Jr. said the company is continuously coordinating with its partners to resolve the issues and maintained that it has not violated any rules.—MCG, GMA Integrated News