MANILA, Philippines – As water woes continue to frustrate households across parts of Luzon and beyond, the spotlight is once again on Primewater Infrastructure Corp.—and this time, it could carry political consequences for one of the country’s rising political figures.
Camille Villar, currently a Las Piñas representative and daughter of billionaire businessman and former Senate President Manny Villar, is reportedly gearing up for a 2025 Senate run. But residents, advocacy groups, and netizens are increasingly linking her name to the poor service of Primewater, the water utility company under the Villar-owned conglomerate.
Complaints against Primewater include inconsistent supply, murky water quality, low pressure and lack of clear communication during outages—problems that have triggered protests in provinces like three cities of Pampanga , Pangasinan, Bulacan, Cavite, and even parts of Metro Manila.
In social media threads and community pages, frustration is mounting. “How can we trust someone to craft national policy if the company tied to her family can’t even deliver clean water?” one post read, echoing a sentiment that’s rapidly gaining traction online.
While Camille Villar has not issued any statement on the matter, critics say silence may not be a viable strategy as the elections draw nearer. Several analysts note that perceptions of accountability—especially when tied to basic services—can influence voter sentiment.
“This goes beyond business,” said political analyst Tony La Viña. “Water is a daily concern. If voters directly associate service failures with a candidate’s family enterprise, it could affect their decision at the polls.”
Primewater has maintained that they are working to improve service and that many of their challenges are inherited from previous water providers. Still, consumer groups argue that years into their takeover of various water districts, improvements remain insufficient.
With the Senate race expected to be tightly contested, observers say public dissatisfaction over water access may become a surprising factor in shaping the political fortunes of one of the country’s most prominent political families.