Two regional trial courts have dismissed pleas filed by PrimeWater Infrastructure Corp. seeking to stop the San Jose del Monte City government in Bulacan from taking over local water operations, BusinessWorld reported.
The trial courts in Bulacan and Las Piñas separately denied PrimeWater’s requests for a 72-hour temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction against the takeover. The company had argued that the local government's move violated its existing franchise and concession agreement.
The rulings clear the way for the city government to proceed with its plan to operate the water system, which PrimeWater had managed. The outcome may affect similar disputes between local governments and private water operators across the Philippines.