Ombudsman files graft charges vs Villars, local water districts

MANILA, Philippines — Two counts of criminal and administrative cases against Sens. Mark and Camille Villar, parents and former Sens. Manny and Cynthia Villar, and businessman Paolo Villar, and officials for alleged questionable joint venture agreements entered into by Prime Water Infrastructure Corporation (PWIC).

Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano said that the Ombudsman received a report from the Office of the Government Corporate Council that 75 local water districts entered into a joint venture agreement with Prime Water Infrastructure Corporation (PWIC) from 2015 to 2022.

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He described this as “grossly disadvantageous”.

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Of the figures, 19 from the local water districts issued notices of pre-termination due to the PWIC’s inability to provide its obligations, he added.

“It has reportedly failed to supply uninterrupted water resources and has instead provided poor drinking water standards, among other complaints against it,” Clavano said during a press briefing.

The Commission on Audit likewise flagged the PWIC’s P65,650,708.07 total unpaid obligations, such as the local water districts’ utilization or consumption of materials and supplies inventory.

The cases were now under preliminary investigation, he said.

INQUIRER has already reached out to the Villar siblings but has yet to respond as of this posting. /mr