Bacolod Water Consumers Urge Marcos to Revoke JVA

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY – A local water consumers’ group has urged President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to revoke the Joint Venture Agreement between the Bacolod City Water District and private firm PrimeWater.

The Water Watch Advocates sent a petition to the president, calling for the cancellation of the deal, said WWA convenor Wennie Sancho on Monday.

Sancho claimed the agreement was executed without being submitted for ratification by Bacolod City consumers, depriving them of their right to participate in the decision-making process.

“Our request for a public hearing on the issues surrounding the JVA was ignored by the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Bacolod City, denying us the opportunity to air our concerns and grievances,” he said.

Sancho added that the JVA has resulted in substandard water quality, particularly turbid water, which affects the health and well-being of consumers.

He said they are calling for the revocation of the JVA on the following grounds:

1. Lack of ratification: The JVA was not submitted for consumer approval, violating their right to take part in the process.
2. Denial of public hearing: The SP’s refusal to hold a public hearing prevented consumers from being heard.
3. Unsafe water: The presence of turbid water indicates PrimeWater’s failure to meet basic safety standards.
4. Gross negligence: Ongoing water issues show a disregard for consumer needs and public welfare.
5. Disadvantageous terms: The agreement appears to favor the private firm over the interests of the public.

Sancho also called for a thorough investigation into water quality issues and other related concerns.

He said alternative arrangements must be explored to ensure Bacolod consumers have access to safe, potable and affordable water.

“This petition is only the beginning—we plan to gather signatures from fellow consumers in support of this call,” Sancho said.