A Camarines Norte consumers group filed a case on November 23 to annul the joint venture agreement between Primewater and Camarines Norte Water District (CNWD) and to stop the company’s operations in the province. They also asked the court for compensation amounting to ₱200,000 for moral damages, ₱100,000 as violations penalty, and ₱100,000 for attorney’s fees.

According to the group, the JVA with Primewater has been void from the start as there was no ordinance from the Sangguniang Panlalawigan authorizing the company’s operations in the province. It also did not consult with residents, which is an essential requirement for securing authorization to operate.

Before the filing of the case, the CNWD Board of Directors formally decided on January 21, 2025 to terminate the JVA because Primewater had failed to fulfill its obligations since 2016. The company did not ensure a regular and uninterrupted water supply and proper management of the septage management system.

Local governments in other cities are also considering steps to end their JVAs with Primewater. On November 17, Mayor Vilma Caluag, together with the Sangguniang Panglunsod of San Fernando City, Pampanga, formally suspended Primewater’s business permit. This decision was prompted by the company’s contract violations and poor service.

The local government immediately transferred city water service operations to the City of San Fernando Water District to ensure a better, safer, and more reliable water supply.

The local government of Angeles City, Pampanga, has also begun the process of terminating its JVA with Primewater because of numerous complaints about the company’s poor service.