During a joint Senate hearing on water service operations and public utilities, Angeles City Water District (ACWD) General Manager Edgar ‘Guy’underscored the agency’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
The inquiry was conducted by the Senate Committee on Public Services in joint session with the Senate Committee on Civil Service, Government Reorganization and Professional Regulation, Senate Committee on Ways and Means, and Senate Committee on Finance.
The hearing examined the performance of water utilities and contractual arrangements with private partners.
During the proceedings, Lopez addressed questions regarding ACWD’s joint venture agreement with PrimeWater. “We in Angeles City entered into a contract with Prime Water on November 16, 2020; we are not yet in a position to say that we are terminating our relations with them,” Lopez told senators.
He noted that while challenges exist, the partnership has also yielded areas of cooperation. “We had a good relationship, being the first responder during fires, maintaining a watershed together in Angeles City,” he said.
Lopez clarified that ACWD is currently conducting a thorough assessment of the joint venture. “We are not saying that we have a perfect relationship, we are in the process of a detailed review,” he explained.
Under the agreement, a comprehensive review is conducted every five years to evaluate performance, compliance, and outstanding commitments. “Every five years, detailed review, we discuss all the shortcomings, all the commitments that have not been unfulfilled,” Lopez said.
He added that the fifth-year review cycle took place in November 2025, but discussions encountered delays. “The fifth year happened in November 2025, pero nahabol kami ng discussion with Crystal Bridges and Prime Water,” Lopez stated, referring to related discussions involving stakeholders.
According to Lopez, talks have since stalled. “Stalled discussions, we are at a stalemate because we are waiting for the final result,” he told the panel.
ACWD maintained that its participation in the Senate hearing reflects its willingness to subject its operations and partnerships to legislative scrutiny. Lopez reiterated that the water district remains focused on ensuring reliable, safe, and continuous water service for consumers in Angeles City while carefully reviewing its contractual obligations and long-term sustainability plans.
