MANILA – Senator Risa Hontiveros said the country is facing a “water crisis” caused not by drought but by neglect, as she pressed for urgent solutions to widespread complaints of poor water service nationwide.

Speaking at the Senate Committee on Public Services hearing on the performance of water service providers, Hontiveros cited recurring reports of unreliable, unsafe, and costly supply in several provinces.

“In San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, residents endure high charges despite weak water supply, sometimes available for only a few hours in a week. In Bacolod, water is available but turbid and unsafe to drink. And in Cavite, residents call their taps ‘holy water’—not because it’s blessed, but because it’s a miracle when water actually comes out,” she said.

She blamed the problems on joint venture agreements entered into by local water districts with private firms, including PrimeWater Infrastructure Corporation, Manila Water Philippine Ventures, and Metro Pacific Water Investments Corp.

“The system is clearly broken. Multiple institutions and regulatory mechanisms are failing to protect our consumers, and we have to know why,” Hontiveros said.

She called for one-sided contracts to be overhauled, stressing that all agreements must carry strong and enforceable penalties, including cash bonds, to hold private providers accountable for poor service.

“Kung sablay ang water provider, dapat silang pagbayarin,” she said.

The senator also urged the creation of clear consumer redress mechanisms, stronger local government support for water districts, and immediate implementation of catch-up plans by private firms to resolve service issues.

“I hope that the COA, the LWUA, the NWRB, the OGCC, and other agencies present can help us identify the long-lasting solutions to bring clean and accessible water to every home,” she added.

“Water service is a basic public service, not just a business. Water is life, and Filipinos should not have to beg for a few drops from their taps,” Hontiveros stressed.