UMVA has learned that two regional trial courts have delivered a significant blow to PrimeWater Infrastructure Corp., dismissing the company's pleas to halt the San Jose del Monte City government's takeover of local water operations in Bulacan.
The trial courts, in separate rulings, denied PrimeWater's requests for a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction, paving the way for the city government to assume control of water supply operations previously managed by the company. This move comes after the city's water district terminated its 25-year joint venture agreement with PrimeWater, citing inadequate and inconsistent water service.
According to information obtained by UMVA, PrimeWater had argued that the takeover would harm consumers and result in financial losses, as it would prevent the company from completing water system projects. However, the court rejected this plea, stating that PrimeWater failed to demonstrate a clear violation of its legal rights or show irreparable harm.
The city government's plans to improve water services have been affirmed by the rulings, with San Jose del Monte Mayor Florida P. Robes stating that the local government will proceed with efforts to enhance water services. The mayor emphasized that the government will not allow legal maneuvers to delay urgent action, as the community has waited long enough for better services.
PrimeWater, which serves over 1.7 million households and supplies approximately 500 million liters of water daily, had filed a similar petition in Las Piñas after the Bulacan court ruling, but this was also dismissed. The Las Piñas court decision, dated June 2, stated that PrimeWater failed to prove the requisites for a temporary restraining order and did not demonstrate any grave irreparable injury to its company.
With the court rulings now cleared, the San Jose del Monte City government can move forward with its plans to take over local water operations, marking a significant development in the city's efforts to improve its water services. The community is eagerly awaiting the outcome, as they have long been affected by inadequate water supply.
