The convenor of Water Watch Advocates requested Baciwa-PrimeWater general manager Mina Dia Jardin for a copy of the Joint Venture Agreement (JVA) between Bacolod City Water District (Baciwa) and Prime Water Infrastructure Corp.
In his letter to Jardin dated May 16, Wennie Sancho said “We have a legitimate interest in understanding the terms and conditions of this agreement, particularly its implications on our rights and welfare as consumers.”
Sancho said the numerous complaints filed against Baciwa-PrimeWater, including issues with water quality, inadequate supply, and inefficient services, have raised concerns about the effectiveness and fairness of the JVA. As a consumer advocacy group, it is our duty to ensure that the public’s interests are protected and that the agreement serves the needs of the people.
“We believe that transparency and accountability are essential in the provision of public utility services. The Commission on Audit (COA) has also questioned the legality of the JVA, citing potential violations of Presidential Decree No. 198. We would like to review the agreement to better understand the terms and implications,” he said.
A copy of the letter was furnished to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Senator Riza Hontiveros.*
