The Bacolod City Government is pressing for urgent clarity on the ownership of PrimeWater, the entity managing the city's water distribution, following reports of its sale to an undisclosed buyer. This demand for transparency comes amidst a recent scare over potential water interruptions due to unpaid obligations.
City Council Demands Transparency on New Owner
Councilor Roberto Rojas, who leads the City Council's committee on energy and public utilities, confirmed that PrimeWater has been sold to a new entity. He stated that an official announcement regarding the identity of the new owner is expected this week. Rojas emphasized the critical need for this information to be shared not only with the city's concessionaires but also with other local government units served by PrimeWater.
"This time, we will put more teeth or laws to address the water problem," Rojas declared. He added that once the new owner is known, the city intends to sit down with officials from the Bacolod City Water District (Baciwa) and the new management to forge a plan for improving water services in Bacolod.
Bulk Water Payment Crisis Averted
The urgency of the situation was underscored by a recent financial dispute. On Friday, December 12, 2025, Bacolod Bulk Water Inc. (BBWI), the primary bulk water supplier for PrimeWater in the city, publicly called on PrimeWater to settle its outstanding obligations. BBWI issued an advisory warning the public of a possible water interruption on Tuesday, December 16, 2025.
The BBWI management revealed that for several months, PrimeWater-Bacolod City had failed to pay for the bulk water supplied. However, the crisis was temporarily averted when the Villar-owned PrimeWater Infrastructure Corp. settled its debts on Saturday, December 13, 2025. Following this payment, BBWI assured the public that normal operations would continue, supporting uninterrupted water service.
Consumer Group Calls for Investigation
The lack of information surrounding the sale has alarmed local consumer advocates. The Bacolod City consumer group, Water Watch Advocates, has called on Mayor Greg Gasataya and the City Council to investigate the alleged sale of PrimeWater to an unknown entity.
Wennie Sancho, convenor of the group, stated he had received information about the sale but the buyer remains a mystery. "If true, Water Watch Advocates Convenor and as a consumer is questioning who authorized this sale," Sancho said, highlighting concerns over accountability and the future of the city's water security.
The current situation stems from a 25-year joint venture agreement signed in 2020 between Baciwa and PrimeWater. With ownership in flux and past payment issues causing public alarm, Bacolod residents and officials are keenly awaiting answers that will determine the future reliability of their water supply.
