Advocates seek full disclosure on PrimeWater ownership deal

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY — Water Watch Advocates on Monday called on Bacolod City officials and the Bacolod City Water District (BACIWA) Board of Directors to publicly disclose the details surrounding the reported transfer of PrimeWater Infrastructure Corp.’s ownership to Crystal Bridges Holdings.

The group said the absence of transparency has deepened public distrust, especially amid persistent issues with water service in the city.

Wennie Sancho, convenor of Water Watch Advocates, said the people of Bacolod deserve a full explanation to address growing suspicions that the transfer was a “sweetheart deal.”

“BACIWA is imbued with public interest. The people of Bacolod have the right to know the salient points of this transaction,” Sancho said.

He emphasized that BACIWA, as a government-controlled entity, must inform the public about key contract provisions that directly affect consumer rights and welfare.

Sancho also criticized the 25-year Joint Venture Agreement (JVA) between BACIWA and PrimeWater, describing it as “grossly disadvantageous” to consumers.

He cited ongoing problems such as unreliable supply, inefficient services, and rising water costs since the JVA took effect in 2020.

“We are trapped in a never-ending nightmare,” Sancho said. “The JVA has become a noose around the necks of consumers—choking us with inefficient service, inadequate water supply, and unaffordable water rates.”

Sancho further questioned the implications of PrimeWater’s reported acquisition by Crystal Bridges Holdings, raising legal and regulatory concerns.

He asked whether the current JVA remains valid under the new ownership and whether consumers are still bound by an agreement that, he claimed, was implemented without proper public consultation.

According to Sancho, BACIWA officials approved and defended the deal while assuring the public of its benefits, but failed to engage in meaningful consultation or warn residents about potential rate hikes.

“Any undertaking anchored on profit over service to consumers is anti-people,” he said.

Water Watch Advocates reiterated its call for transparency, accountability, and genuine public participation in all decisions affecting water services.

The group demanded the immediate termination of what it described as an “onerous” JVA and urged authorities to defend the people’s right to clean, affordable, and reliable water.

As of press time, officials from BACIWA and PrimeWater have yet to respond to the statements made by Water Watch Advocates.