Holy Week or not, many families in Cavite suffer the “holy” rarity of water from PrimeWater, the water utility owned by the wealthiest family in the Philippines, the Villars.
And when we say “holy,” we mean that the water supply is as rare as a miracle in these communities.
The Dela Cruz family, like many others, spends days without water. Marissa Dela Cruz, a mother of two young children, shares, “We reuse water meant for bathing just to wash dishes. I live in fear of infections, especially with two kids under five.”
PrimeWater has become so “holy” in its service and frustrated customers not-so-affectionatelycall it “CrimeWater.”
Who is not familiar with the family behind this precious service? Manny Villar, patriarch of the Villar family, is the wealthiest Filipino, with a fortune of about ₱980 billion—three times the size of the Philippine defense budget. With all that wealth, you’d think they could provide basic, reliable water service.
But no. Instead, families like the Dela Cruz’s are stuck praying for water to flow through their taps. And when it does, it’s often a fleeting blessing.
The Villar family’s wealth comes from their real estate empire, including Vista Land, Golden Haven Memorial Park, and a host of retail chains.
Yet, despite their massive fortune, PrimeWater customers are left with unreliable, intermittent service.
Maybe it’s fitting, though—this is Holy Week after all. And like a rare religious experience, water from PrimeWater seems to come and go, almost as if it’s a blessing bestowed only on the chosen few.
Here’s the issue: Camille Villar, part of this wealthy family, is running for a Senate seat. She’s asking for your vote, but ask yourself—what kind of leadership does someone from such vast wealth bring? Will she work to solve the problems facing ordinary Filipinos, or will she continue to profit while families like the Dela Cruz’s struggle?
We deserve more than this. We deserve reliable water, healthcare, and a government that prioritizes people over profits. We deserve senators who don’t just build business empires—they fix real problems.
As you reflect this Holy Week, ask yourself: Do we keep electing the same families who already have everything, or do we choose leaders who understand the struggles of ordinary Filipinos?
The choice is ours. Don’t let your vote be a rare blessing—let it be one that brings real change.