By CESAR JOLITO III
A consumer watchdog group is calling for full public disclosure and accountability following reports on the transfer of ownership involving PrimeWater Infrastructure Corp. and Crystal Bridges Holdings, warning that the deal could further burden water consumers in Bacolod City.
In a press statement issued on December 22, Wennie Sancho, convenor of Water Watch Advocates, said local city officials and the Bacolod City Water District (Baciwa) Board of Directors owe the public a clear explanation of the decision-making process behind the reported ownership transfer.
Sancho stressed that Baciwa, as a public utility, is imbued with public interest, making transparency a legal and moral obligation.
He said full disclosure is necessary to counter growing public suspicion that the transaction may constitute a “sweetheart deal” that prioritizes corporate profit over consumer welfare.
“The people of Bacolod have the right to know the salient points of any contract that directly affects their access to water, their monthly bills and the quality of service they receive,” Sancho said.
Water Watch Advocates reiterated its opposition to the joint venture agreement (JVA) between Baciwa and PrimeWater, describing it as “grossly disadvantageous” to consumers.
The group cited persistent complaints of inadequate water supply, inefficient services and rising water rates as evidence of the JVA’s failure.
They also raised concerns over the legal and practical implications of PrimeWater’s reported acquisition by Crystal Bridges Holdings, questioning whether the existing JVA remains valid and whether consumers would continue to be bound by its terms without consent or consultation.
Sancho criticized city officials and Baciwa board members for allegedly approving and announcing the ownership changes without public consultation, warning that consumers may ultimately shoulder higher costs in the future.
“Consumers were never asked if they wanted this JVA, yet they are forced to live with its consequences,” he said, adding that any agreement founded on profit over public service is “anti-people.”
Water Watch Advocates is calling for the termination of the existing JVA and renewed efforts to ensure clean, affordable and reliable water service for Bacolod City residents.
The group vowed to continue pressing for transparency and reforms, saying water consumers can no longer remain silent amid what it described as a deepening crisis in local water services./CJ, WDJ