BACOLOD CITY – A local consumer rights group is pressing officials and the water utility's board for urgent clarity regarding a major corporate change affecting the city's water service provider.
Public Seeks Full Disclosure on Ownership Transfer
Water Watch Advocates has formally called on Bacolod City officials and the Bacolod City Water District (Baciwa) board to provide a clear explanation on the transfer of PrimeWater's ownership to Crystal Bridges Holdings Corp. The group's convenor, Wennie Sancho, stated that the public deserves a comprehensive breakdown of the deal to eliminate any perception of a "sweetheart agreement."
Sancho emphasized that as a public institution, Baciwa is obligated to disclose key contract details that impact the rights and welfare of its stakeholders. This demand follows the announcement by the Villar group that Lucio Co's Crystal Bridges Holdings Corp. will acquire 100 percent of PrimeWater Infrastructure Corp.
Consumers Trapped in a "Never-Ending Nightmare"
The controversy stems from the 25-year joint venture agreement (JVA) signed between Baciwa and Villar-owned PrimeWater back in 2020. Sancho argues that this agreement has proven to be "grossly disadvantageous to consumers."
He cited the consistent failure of the Baciwa-PrimeWater partnership to deliver an adequate and reliable water supply as evidence. Sancho described the situation as a "never-ending nightmare" characterized by inefficient services, water shortages, and high rates.
"PrimeWater has been bought by Crystal Bridges Holdings, but what does this mean for us? Is the JVA still valid? Are we bound to suffer under this agreement forever?" Sancho questioned, highlighting the public's anxiety over the implications of the ownership change.
Criticism of Lack of Public Consultation
The consumer advocate also criticized local officials and Baciwa directors for making significant decisions without proper public consultation. He accused them of unilaterally announcing perceived benefits while ignoring potential dangers, such as the possibility of a "sweetheart contract" and future water rate increases.
Sancho stressed that it is their moral duty to protest the deal. "Water Watch Advocates demands to be freed from this onerous JVA. We demand our right to clean, affordable, and reliable water. This agreement has become a burden on the people of Bacolod," he declared.
The group's call underscores growing public concern over the transparency and long-term impact of the joint venture, especially as control of the private partner shifts to a new corporate entity.
