San Jose del Monte’s Water Crisis Now Robes’ Responsibility

For years, the water situation in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan has been tied to one name: PrimeWater.

The company, previously associated with the Villar family, had entered into a joint venture with the San Jose del Monte City Water District. By 2025, however, the water district had moved to pre-terminate the agreement amid a worsening supply crisis.

Residents had reported low to zero water pressure, prompting complaints over the reliability of the service. The issue eventually led to a change in operations.

From PrimeWater to a new operator

In May 2026, the San Jose del Monte local government assumed operational control of the water facilities previously managed by PrimeWater.

Mayor Florida “Rida” Robes said the takeover was necessary as the city dealt with a worsening water distribution crisis. The city government committed to restoring an adequate and reliable water supply within a year.

A month later, Metro Pacific Water was named the city’s interim water service partner and began taking over operations.

The change in operator, however, did not mean the problem disappeared overnight. For residents, improvements in production and infrastructure ultimately have to translate into something tangible: water reaching their homes.

Robes was already involved in the water issue before becoming mayor.

While still serving in Congress, she pushed for measures concerning domestic water supply, including House Bill 1495, which sought to establish national standards for water service quality and pricing. Her office and the city government also supported efforts to address the local crisis.

That history makes the current situation particularly relevant to her administration. The city government is now responsible for addressing the consequences of the water crisis, including the rehabilitation of facilities and the transition to a new operator.

The challenge is straightforward: ensure that the changes being made are felt by the people who turn on their faucets every day.

Another infrastructure controversy

Water is not the only infrastructure issue that has put Robes in the headlines.

During congressional and Senate investigations into alleged irregularities in flood-control projects, contractor Curlee Discaya and former DPWH Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo named Robes in their testimonies. Bernardo said he had facilitated the release of projects for Robes’ congressional district, while Discaya alleged she was connected to the distribution of money tied to infrastructure projects.

Robes denied the accusations and said she intended to pursue legal action against Discaya. She also maintained that there were no ghost projects in San Jose del Monte and defended the city’s infrastructure record.

These remain allegations, not established findings of wrongdoing.

READ: PrimeWater Probe: Genuine Inquiry or Election Gimmick?

What residents ultimately see

The political and corporate history behind San Jose del Monte’s water system can be complicated. PrimeWater’s association with the Villar family is a matter of record, as are the company’s later change in ownership and its eventual exit from operating the city’s water system. The current water situation, meanwhile, falls under a different phase of the city’s administration and a new operating arrangement.

For San Joseños, however, the issue is less complicated. They need reliable water. They need infrastructure that functions as intended. And when public officials are confronted with allegations concerning government projects, they need clear answers backed by records and investigations.

Ultimately, it is not the names attached to a project that residents experience — it is whether the water flows, whether infrastructure works, and whether public money produces the services it was intended to provide.