As taps run dry, Mayor Angelica Portes defends a decision she says the law required

By Nimfa L. Estrellado-Laurino Mayor Angelica Portes explains the renewal of PrimeWater's business permit during a People's Week pre...

By Nimfa L. Estrellado-Laurino

Mayor Angelica Portes explains the renewal of PrimeWater's business permit during a People's Week presentation in Pagbilao. (Pagbilao LGU)

PAGBILAO, Quezon — Mayor Angelica Portes finds herself defending the renewal of a water provider's permit while residents continue to endure recurring supply interruptions. The dispute has placed her at the center of growing frustration over water service in the municipality.

In a public statement on June 15, 2026, Portes explained why the municipal government renewed the business permit of PrimeWater and the Quezon Metropolitan Water District (QMWD). The issue gained attention as residents questioned why the provider retained its permit despite ongoing service problems.



The company renewed its permit on Jan. 31, 2026 after completing the requirements prescribed by law. Under Republic Act 11032, government offices cannot impose additional requirements on qualified applicants.

The law streamlines government transactions and permit processing by reducing delays and simplifying administrative procedures. Agencies and local governments must act on applications once applicants submit the required documents.

Portes said many residents have focused on the permit renewal without seeing the legal framework that governs the process. She maintained that municipal officials must act within the authority granted to them by law.

"Dahil sila ay nakapag-comply sa requirements, ang sabi ng batas, bibigyan siya ng permit," Portes said. "Anong karapatan ni Mayor para hindi sila bigyan ng permit kung nakapag-comply naman sila sa lahat ng requirements?"

For many residents, the permit renewal became a symbol of a system disconnected from their daily struggles. Questions emerged over whether persistent water interruptions should have affected the municipality's decision.

The controversy unfolded amid recurring shortages that have affected households, schools and businesses. Residents have increasingly demanded answers about service reliability and accountability.

Oversight of water utilities falls under the National Water Resources Board (NWRB), the national agency tasked with regulating water service providers. Supreme Court rulings also limit local government intervention in matters overseen by national utility regulators.

No formal written complaints against the water provider had been filed with the mayor's office when the permit renewal was processed. Existing procedures require documented complaints before officials can initiate investigations or other administrative action.

The municipality continues to face water supply challenges despite the permit renewal and continuing efforts to address service interruptions. Local officials have responded through water distribution efforts and the development of additional water sources in schools and barangays.

The municipal government is also exploring the creation of a locally managed water system to strengthen local oversight of water services. The proposal would give the town greater control over water planning, operations and accountability.

Portes acknowledged that temporary measures have not fully addressed the concerns of affected communities. She said the municipality is pursuing longer-term solutions while responding to immediate needs.

"Alam kong hindi sapat ang mga pansamantalang solusyon tulad ng distribusyon ng tubig," Portes said. "Kaya patuloy tayong naghahanap ng paraan upang magkaroon ng sariling pamamahala sa tubig ang lokal na pamahalaan."

The mayor also urged residents to use official channels when raising concerns about water service. She said written complaints allow government offices to act on documented issues.

"Hindi puwedeng ang reklamo ay puro sabi-sabi lamang o nakabase sa social media," Portes said. "Kung may reklamo, ilagay ninyo ito sa sulat at personal ko itong tutugunan."

The debate over the permit renewal has expanded into a broader discussion about water governance. It has also highlighted the gap between public expectations and the authority local governments can exercise under existing laws.