MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has issued a stern warning to underperforming water service providers and government officials, saying “heads will roll” amid the worsening water supply crisis affecting millions of Filipinos nationwide.
In his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) delivered on Monday, Marcos did not mince words as he addressed the public’s growing frustration over dry taps and poor water access.
“We have received so many complaints that the water doesn’t even reach their faucets,” Marcos said in Filipino. “We will ensure that those who neglect and fail in this important public service are held accountable.”
According to the President, at least six million consumers across the country are currently grappling with unreliable water supply, many of whom have lodged formal complaints in recent months.
He revealed that the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) is already taking action to investigate and rectify the dire performance of several water districts and their private partners.
Villar Firm Under Fire
Among the companies reportedly being probed is PrimeWater Infrastructure Corp., a water provider owned by the Villar family, which has long faced consumer backlash over service interruptions, billing issues, and infrastructure neglect.
While PrimeWater claims it is cooperating with regulatory authorities, the President has made it clear that compliance alone is not enough.
“I have already seen the report,” Marcos said, hinting at possible sanctions or reforms once his review of LWUA’s findings is completed.
Back in April, the President formally tasked LWUA—responsible for overseeing more than 500 water districts nationwide—with investigating the rising complaints against PrimeWater and other providers. The results of that probe have now reached his desk.
Government Shake-Up Looming?
While Marcos did not name specific officials or agencies that could face disciplinary action, his use of the phrase “heads will roll” suggests impending accountability moves within the water utility sector and possibly even within government oversight bodies.
“No More Excuses”
Public sentiment has soured in recent months, especially in Metro Manila and parts of Luzon, where residents have reported entire weeks without water supply. Social media has been flooded with images of empty containers, long lines at water refilling stations, and complaints of being billed despite dry pipes.
“This is a basic human need. There is no excuse for this kind of failure,” a concerned Quezon City resident told The Manila Times.
As the country braces for continued dry spells and infrastructure limitations, all eyes are now on Malacañang and the LWUA. Whether the President’s words will translate into swift and meaningful action remains to be seen.
