Group Seeks to Nullify BACIWA-PrimeWater Joint Venture

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY – The Water Watch Advocates (WWA), a coalition of concerned citizens and organizations, is calling for the nullification of the Joint Venture Agreement (JVA) between the Bacolod City Water District (BACIWA) and PrimeWater, claiming it is detrimental to public interest.

In a position paper submitted to the Daily Guardian on Monday, WWA convenor Wennje Sancho said the agreement should be voided due to its lack of transparency and public consultation.

Sancho asserted that the JVA was negotiated and signed without meaningful citizen participation, depriving Bacolod residents of their right to be informed and involved in critical decisions.

He warned that the agreement could lead to increased water rates, reduced service quality, and loss of public control over water services in the city.

Sancho further argued that the deal violated public trust by favoring private interests over the common good, eroding confidence in the government and its institutions.

He also criticized the agreement for lacking adequate regulatory oversight.

According to Sancho, the JVA is not subject to sufficient regulation, creating the risk of unchecked exploitation and mismanagement of local water resources.

“It is also a threat to water security,” Sancho said.

He added that allowing a private company to control water services may result in profit being prioritized over public need.

Sancho emphasized that laws require transparency and public participation in government decisions, which the JVA allegedly ignored.

He reiterated WWA’s position that the BACIWA-PrimeWater deal must be nullified.

“We call on the relevant authorities to take immediate action to revoke the agreement and prioritize the public interest,” he said.

Sancho also announced that WWA will launch a signature campaign this week to rally public support for the JVA’s cancellation.

BACIWA signed the 25-year JVA with PrimeWater Infrastructure Corp., owned by the Villar family, in July 2020 to manage and develop the city’s water services.

The JVA took effect on Nov. 1, 2020, following a three-month transition period.

Under the agreement, PrimeWater committed to invest PHP6.8 billion in infrastructure projects over the 25-year period.

Of that amount, PHP1.6 billion is earmarked for the first five years to fund pipe laying and repair.

An additional PHP2 billion will be invested in the fifth year, with the full PHP6.8 billion to be allocated over the life of the partnership.