Lucio Co’s takeover of PrimeWater ‘injustice’ for Bacolod customers – watchdogs

‘If Co’s Crystal Bridges takes over with the identical type of [joint venture agreement] with out consulting first the customers, then, nothing good will occur,’ says Bacolod Councilor and Amlig Tubig convener Jun Gamboa

NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, Philippines – Two customers watchdogs in Bacolod Metropolis expressed disappointment with retail magnate Lucio Co’s takeover of the troubled Villar-led PrimeWater Infrastructure Company (PrimeWater).

Teams Amlig Tubig and Water Watch Advocates (WWA) branded the acquisition as “injustice” to over 70,000 households or water customers in Bacolod. Co’s Crystal Bridges Holding, Inc. assumed PrimeWater’s function within the controversial 25-year three way partnership settlement (JVA) with Bacolod Metropolis Water District (BACIWA) that began in November 2020.

Bacolod Councilor Wilson “Jun” Gamboa Jr., who can be a convener of Amlig Tubig, believes that regardless of the takeover, water customers will nonetheless stay in downside standing. The group additionally requires the junking of the 2020 JVA.

“The JVA is onerous in favor solely of PrimeWater, thus, disadvantageous to each BACIWA and the customers. So, if Co’s Crystal Bridges takes over with the identical type of JVA with out consulting first the customers, then, nothing good will occur,” Gamboa mentioned.

“It’s unlawful ab initio (void from the start) just because it didn’t cross via public consultations,” he added.

Gamboa is assured that BACIWA alone can nonetheless afford to deal with each the administration and technicalities of water distribution in Bacolod with out PrimeWater or Co’s Crystal Bridges.

As to a different JVA with Co’s Crystal Bridges, Gamboa mentioned it “shouldn’t be labeled as precedence.”

“For now, simply convey again the BACIWA to the folks of Bacolod — that’s all ,” he added.

WWA convener Wennie Sancho mentioned for the reason that takeover was performed in haste with out the data of BACIWA executives and Bacolod customers, then “one thing [seems suspicious].”

Sancho dared BACIWA leaders led by Sonya Verdeflor to carry a dialogue with the customers and lay down “the reality and nothing however the fact” concerning the JVA’s standing. He additionally demanded a right away audit of the monetary standing of BACIWA.

“We wish to know the small print vis-a-vis what’s going to occur now with the water distribution in Bacolod. WWA can’t afford to see Bacolod water customers to be [in] limbo,” he mentioned.

In the meantime, Bacolod Lone District Consultant Albee Benitez mentioned in a press convention on Thursday, December 18, that Co is ready to shell out a P3-billion capital in Bacolod to enhance water distribution operations. Benitez additionally mentioned that the Co group is prepared to assessment the JVA.

Benitez additionally debunked claims that he is without doubt one of the incorporators behind Crystal Bridges. Co is now a majority proprietor of the Bacolod Actual Property Improvement Company port, a enterprise empire based by Benitez’s grandfather, the late Simplicio Palanca. – Rappler.com