MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Risa Hontiveros on Monday filed a resolution seeking a Senate investigation into joint venture agreements (JVAs) between government-run water districts and private companies, including PrimeWater Infrastructure Corp., following a surge in consumer complaints during the dry season.

In Senate Resolution No. 1352, Hontiveros called on the Senate Committee on Public Services to scrutinize the terms of these JVAs, some of which the Commission on Audit (COA) has flagged as “disadvantageous.”

“No one is too big to be investigated,” Hontiveros said in a privilege speech.

“Kailangan nang silipin ang mga water concessionaires na ito dahil masyadong maraming kababayan natin ang uhaw na uhaw na sa maayos na serbisyo mula sa kanila lalo na ngayong tag-init.” 

PrimeWater is owned by the family of the country’s richest man, former Senate President Manny Villar and wife, Sen Cynthia Villar.

Hontiveros criticized the perceived poor performance of water providers, especially in areas where water supply has remained erratic despite rising consumer charges.

“Hindi katanggap-tanggap ang papatak-patak na serbisyo. Hindi pwedeng palagpasin ang mga kontratang sinlabo ng tubig na lumalabas sa ilang mga kabahayan na biktima ng kapalpakan ng mga water concessionaires at ng oversight bodies,” she said.

Hontiveros pointed to audit findings and reports of consumer dissatisfaction in areas serviced by private firms such as PrimeWater, Manila Water Philippine Ventures, and Metro Pacific Water Investments Corp.

She said  that at least 11 water districts have expressed intent to terminate their JVAs with private partners, indicating what she described as a “far worse and more encompassing” problem.

“Sa ngayon, 11 water districts daw ang gustong tapusin na agad ang joint venture agreements nila. The problem might be far worse and more encompassing. Pwede nang umaksyon ang Malacañang kahit inaalam pa natin kung paano pigilan ang lalong pag-lala at pag-ulit nitong sitwasyon,” she said.

The resolution cited COA reports detailing vague contract terms and weak accountability mechanisms, which Hontiveros said have allowed private concessionaires to operate without sufficient oversight.

“These identified problems have reportedly led to detrimental outcomes for water districts, including diminished financial standing — as seen in the San Jose Del Monte Water District post-JVA — and for the consuming public, who have experienced poor service quality, inadequate water supply, and significant increases in water tariffs — as reported in areas served by PrimeWater in various provinces like Bulacan and cities like Bacolod — sparking public protests and calls for intervention,” the resolution read.

Hontiveros also criticized regulatory agencies for failing to hold water providers accountable.

“Reklamo ng mga kababayan natin, sinisingil pa rin daw sila kahit halos walang tubig ang dumadaloy sa kanilang gripo. Panahon nang singilin naman natin ang mga water concessionaires at iba pang ahensyang dapat nagbibigay ng walang-patid na serbisyo,” she said.

While Malacañang has announced a separate probe into PrimeWater, Hontiveros said existing audit findings warrant immediate legislative oversight to prevent similar issues from recurring.