Bulacan police arrest 77-year-old PrimeWater critic

2026-02-11 - 04:36

MANILA, Philippines – Police in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan have arrested a 77-year-old engineer and outspoken critic of PrimeWater Infrastructure Corporation and the Robes political clan on perjury charges, his group Alliance for Consumer Protection (ACP) said on Wednesday, February 11. Engineer Even Calajate, a former chairman of the San Jose del Monte City Water District, remained at the city police station as of this posting, according to ACP. The arrest was based on a warrant issued on February 9 by Pasay Judge Maria Luwalhati Carandang Cruz, the group said. The perjury case was filed in Pasay City because it stemmed from testimony Calajate gave to the Senate, which is based in Pasay, during an inquiry into PrimeWater’s alleged failures. Calajate had alleged before the Senate that San Jose del Monte (SJDM) Mayor Rida Robes and her husband, SJDM Representative Arthur Robes, were “promoters” of the flawed joint venture between PrimeWater and the local water district. The joint venture was signed in 2018 when Arthur Robes was mayor. While the water district formally entered the agreement, Calajate and former councilor Irene del Rosario said city hall ignored consumer complaints even as PrimeWater’s performance faltered. After Rappler reported on the matter in April 2025, which included an interview with Calajate, Rida Robes announced an investigation into the deal, and soon also announced the termination of the contract. The complainants against Calajate are five individuals who said that the engineer’s alleged false statements were a “disruption” to their own search for accountability. “What a very shallow statement to charge a man and to impute perjury,” Calajate had written in his counter-affidavit submitted in November 2025. Del Rosario has also been arrested on cyber libel charges before over statements criticizing the Robes couple. “The ACP and WPN [Water for the People Network] condemn the engineer’s arrest, noting that this is similar to how former pro-consumer and right to water advocate Councilor Irene Del Rosario was arrested on duty at the session hall years ago after she criticized the Robeses for ensuring the entry of PrimeWater in the municipality,” said the groups. Rappler has also investigated widespread failures of PrimeWater all over the country, and their financial troubles that meant suppliers and contractors not being paid by the then-Villar owned company. Many water districts have pre-terminated the deals, but reported being blocked by PrimeWater through injunction requests. The Villars sold PrimeWater to the Lucio Co group’s Cyrstal Bridges in December 2025. “The consumer groups cry foul over the elderly’s arrest amid the prevailing impunity of the highest officials, political dynasties, and big businesses known for their roles in systemic corruption and the prevalence of the country’s structural woes,” said ACP and WPN. – Rappler.com