PrimeWater Probe: Genuine Inquiry or Election Gimmick?

“Malamang, dahil lahat naman ng galawan ngayon ng administrasyon ay dahil sa politika,” said Vice President Inday Sara Duterte.

“Wala na akong nakita na ginawa ng administrasyon na ito para sa kapayapaan at kaunlaran ng ating bayan, kundi lahat ay pag-atake lamang sa politika at sa mga taong hindi nila kayang takutin at hindi nila kayang bilhin,” she added.

This was Duterte reacting to Malacañang’s announcement to investigate complaints against Villar-owned PrimeWater Infrastructure Corp.

Residents in Bulacan towns such as Calumpit, Marilao, Malolos, and San Jose del Monte have long endured unreliable water supply and poor service. Yet, despite years of complaints, the government is only now taking action—conveniently just days before the election.

As some critics put it, “mukhang nagpapabida lang.” The timing has led many to believe that the investigation is less about solving the water crisis and more about earning political points, raising serious doubts about the sincerity behind the move.

Camille Villar at the Center of Political Tension

Although Camille Villar isn’t directly involved in running PrimeWater, she has become the primary target of criticism. After Vice President Duterte endorsed her, President Bongbong Marcos notably withheld his endorsement at recent rallies in Batangas and Cebu.

Erwin Tulfo, part of Alyansa, even defended her by saying, “Camille Villar is not PrimeWater.” Still, despite her lack of involvement, she continues to be blamed, while other failing water providers remain unchallenged. This selective scrutiny raises doubts about whether the investigation is about accountability or political maneuvering.

Real Victims Used as Pawns

The real victims—the residents suffering from water shortages—are being exploited in this political game. While the administration may appear to be stepping up to resolve the issue, the reality is that the situation may only worsen. After the elections, the issue could be forgotten, and the people’s struggles will continue unresolved.

Local officials like Bulacan Governor Daniel Fernando and Vice Governor Alex Castro, long silent on the matter, are now suddenly actively leading the charge—just as national attention intensifies and the elections draw near. Their late involvement feels more like political survival than genuine public service.

And so, the question remains: is this a long-overdue response to a real crisis, or just another election-season performance?