THE FATE of water distribution in Bacolod City hangs in uncertainty.
There is still no clear picture on reports that Manny Villar’s PrimeWater Infrastructure Corporation has been sold to retail magnate Lucio Co’s Crystal Bridges. PrimeWater, on record, has joint venture agreements (JVAs) with 77 water districts nationwide, including the Bacolod City Water District (BACIWA).
Recall that on December 13, 2025, news of the supposed sale broke and dominated headlines. Nearly a month later, there has been no update — no confirmation, no clarity.
As a result, PrimeWater–Bacolod and BACIWA personnel remain in limbo, waiting daily for answers that have yet to come.
Malacañang earlier said the Villar–Co deal had reached the “definitive agreement” stage — supposedly the final, legally binding contract in a major transaction. Fine.
But an insider says the deal has hit a snag. Villar is reportedly selling PrimeWater for about P30 billion, excluding liabilities — an amount so steep that Co’s camp is allegedly now looking for other investors. For this reason, the transaction remains hanging.
Amid this silence, the Bacolod City Council has asked both PrimeWater and BACIWA to submit a catch-up plan. According to Councilor Wilson “Jun” Gamboa Jr., neither has complied.
So who suffers?
Water consumers.
Jun, also a convener of the “Amlig Tubig” consumers’ group, offers clear remedies: revoke PrimeWater’s permits; allow BACIWA to reassume water distribution; and, if the Villar–Co deal eventually pushes through, amend the JVA so it will no longer be grossly tilted in PrimeWater’s favor.
His argument is straightforward. BACIWA, he says, is capable — manpower- and logistics-wise — to retake operations.
So what are we waiting for?
For the sake of consumers, why can’t the city now invalidate PrimeWater’s permits and let BACIWA lead again?
The clock is ticking.
What if the deal collapses and PrimeWater continues operating for the remaining 20 years under the 25-year JVA? More poor service? More uncertainty?
Jun’s points are valid, realistic, and attainable.
Can we give his wisdom a chance this time?
After all, there’s nothing to lose.
Simple as that. Di ba?/PN
