Senator Mark Villar Denies Involvement in PrimeWater Joint Venture Deals

Senator Mark Villar on Saturday categorically denied any involvement in the joint venture agreements (JVAs) entered into by PrimeWater Infrastructure Corporation with various local water districts during his tenure as Secretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

Villar, who served as DPWH chief from 2016 to 2021 under former President Rodrigo Duterte, issued a statement distancing himself from the controversial water deals amid growing scrutiny over PrimeWater’s operations.

“I wish to take this opportunity to clarify that I have no direct or indirect ownership or controlling interest in PrimeWater,” Senator Villar said. “During my tenure as Secretary of Public Works, I did not participate in any capacity whatsoever in any transactions or potential transactions between PrimeWater and any of its partner districts.”

Owned by the family of former Senators Manny and Cynthia Villar — parents of Senator Mark, as well as Camille and Paolo Villar — PrimeWater has faced mounting criticism over its partnerships with local water utilities across the country.

The senator's statement came after Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro pointed out a spike in JVAs between PrimeWater and local water districts in 2019, during the period Villar held the DPWH post. Castro also revealed that the Office of the President met with officials from the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) and the Office of the Government Corporate Counsel (OGCC) on Friday to address mounting complaints from PrimeWater customers.

Defending his record, Villar emphasized that his focus as DPWH secretary was to implement critical infrastructure projects for communities across the nation.

“I have full faith that my service record in those years would bear witness to that focus and commitment,” he said.

The controversy surrounding PrimeWater has reignited debates over privatization in the water sector, with consumer groups and advocacy organizations calling for greater transparency and accountability in public-private partnerships.