9 July 2026 – The San Jose del Monte City Council has formally declared PrimeWater Infrastructure Corporation persona non grata following the city’s long-standing and recurring water crisis, which has severely affected residents. During its 53rd Regular Session on July 8, 2026, the Council approved Resolution No. 2026-07-529, declaring PrimeWater no longer welcome within the city’s jurisdiction.
The decisive but critical action was taken after a series of documented instances of negligence, operational failures, and what the resolution described as “grossly deficient” operation and maintenance of the city’s water system. These deficiencies resulted in widespread and prolonged water interruptions, deterioration of critical water infrastructure, and serious risks to the health, safety, sanitation, and overall welfare of the people of San Jose del Monte.
Apart from what the Council described as miserable and substandard water service, it also strongly condemned PrimeWater management’s blatant discourtesy and lack of cooperation with the local government. Amid the water crisis, the company repeatedly ignored the city’s calls, investigations, and requests to address the worsening condition of its water services.
Based on what the Council described as PrimeWater’s clear abandonment of its obligations and disregard for local authority, the local government was compelled to take decisive action by reclaiming and assuming control of the city’s water distribution operations to safeguard the public’s right to safe, adequate, and quality water supply.
“The suffering you have caused the people of San Jose del Monte has gone on for far too long, and we can no longer stand by and watch. Water is a basic human right, not a business from which you can continue to profit while our families endure dry taps. Your blatant discourtesy, lack of cooperation, and refusal to engage with the local government are a grave insult to the dignity of our city. If you cannot fulfill your responsibilities and refuse to respect the law and the leadership of the City of San Jose del Monte, then you have no right to remain here,” said one member of the City Council.
Under the approved resolution, the City Council also formally urged the Department of Health (DOH), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA), National Water Resources Board (NWRB), Department of Justice (DOJ), and the Office of the Ombudsman to continue their respective investigations and impose appropriate sanctions against PrimeWater. Copies of the resolution have likewise been transmitted to the Office of the President of the Philippines, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and other key government agencies to ensure that the voice and position of the City of San Jose del Monte against what it considers oppressive water service are heard at the national level.
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