Senator Mark Villar has firmly denied having any direct or indirect ownership or control over PrimeWater Infrastructure Corp., a private water utility company currently under fire for mounting consumer complaints.
In a statement issued over the weekend, Villar sought to address public concerns linking him to the water firm owned by his family. “I have no direct or indirect ownership or controlling interest in PrimeWater,” he said.
Villar, who served as the Secretary of Public Works and Highways from 2016 to 2021, stressed that he had no involvement in any dealings between the agency and PrimeWater during his tenure. “I did not participate in any capacity whatsoever in any transactions or potential transactions between PrimeWater and any of its partner districts,” he clarified.
He reiterated that his priority was the delivery of key infrastructure projects across the country. “My focus then had been to implement our national goal of creating critical community infrastructure,” Villar added. “I have full faith that my service record in those years would bear witness to that focus and commitment.”
Villar is the son of business tycoon and former senator Manny Villar and incumbent senator Cynthia Villar, and the brother of newly elected Senator Camille Villar.
The clarification comes as PrimeWater faces intense scrutiny over water disruptions, poor water quality, and rising rates. The Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) has submitted its report on PrimeWater’s operations to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who is now reviewing the findings.
Malacañang, through press officer Undersecretary Claire Castro, earlier confirmed the President’s attention to the issue. For its part, PrimeWater said it continues to cooperate with regulators, including the LWUA, as the probe progresses.
