Malacañang has assured consumers of uninterrupted water services following the Lucio Co group's acquisition of PrimeWater Infrastructure Corp. from the Villar family. This comes amid ongoing LWUA investigations into past complaints and lawmakers' concerns over limited public scrutiny in the deal.
Following the Villar Group's confirmation of selling 100% of PrimeWater Infrastructure Corp. to Crystal Bridges Holding Corp.—investment arm of Puregold founder Lucio Co—on December 17, 2025, Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro emphasized that services will remain uninterrupted.
PrimeWater serves over 1.7 million households across Tuguegarao, Central Luzon, Metro Manila, Calabarzon, Visayas, and Davao City, treating more than 500 million liters daily. Lucio Co, chair of Cosco Capital Inc., also runs Pamana Water Corp. Former senator Cynthia Villar noted the sale was due to politicization against her family.
Castro highlighted Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) administrator Jose Moises Salonga's reports to President Marcos on consumer issues. LWUA is preparing a memorandum to prevent disruptions, with Castro stating: “Consumers should not be burdened with charges if PrimeWater can’t offer any service.” Probes into potential lapses are planned based on documents.
The LWUA investigation began in May over complaints of supply interruptions and high charges in Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, Bohol, and Pangasinan. Las Piñas Rep. Mark Anthony Santos flagged the deal's lack of public consultation, despite supporting private investment. Gabriela Women’s Party Rep. Sarah Elago demanded accountability for privatization damages.
