MANILA – Senator Raffy Tulfo raised alarm over the Joint Venture Agreements (JVAs) between PrimeWater Infrastructure Corporation and at least 75 water districts across the country, saying the deals have resulted in poor services and unfulfilled investment commitments affecting around 16 million consumers.

At a hearing of the Senate Committee on Public Services, which he chairs, Tulfo said he has received numerous complaints of brown, foul-smelling tap water, frequent unannounced service interruptions, and weak supply and pressure in PrimeWater-serviced areas.

“Hindi na mabilang ang reklamo na natatanggap natin – mula sa programa hanggang dito sa Senado tungkol sa bulok na serbisyo ng PrimeWater. Walang sapat na supply, mahina ang pressure, walang abiso kapag may interruption, at ang tubig na lumalabas sa gripo ay kulay kape, minsan ay mabaho pa,” Tulfo said.

He lamented that many residents are forced to wake up at 3 a.m. to collect water, only to continue paying regular bills despite unreliable supply.

Tulfo said PrimeWater had pledged more than ₱100 billion in capital expenditure (CAPEX) for water system upgrades under its JVAs. However, data from the Commission on Audit (COA) showed that several water districts received only a fraction of the promised investments.

In Metro Surigao, only ₱62 million or 6.86% of the ₱904 million commitment was delivered after five years. In Panabo, just ₱50 million of ₱644 million was accomplished (7.76%). In Cabanatuan, only 36.6% of the ₱716 million target was achieved, while in Sta. Cruz, Laguna, only 27.8% of the ₱518 million commitment was completed. Tagaytay recorded one of the lowest compliance rates, with only ₱130 million out of ₱1.2 billion delivered, or 10.83%.

Tulfo also noted that some districts suffered revenue declines after entering into JVAs with PrimeWater. He cited Tagaytay Water District, which earned over ₱55 million prior to the JVA but recorded a ₱12-million net loss after the deal.

“Para bang nakipag JVA kayo sa PrimeWater para magpalugi,” Tulfo remarked.

He attributed the losses to “unjustified revenue-sharing schemes” in the JVAs, and stressed the need to disclose PrimeWater’s actual earnings for transparency and accountability.