Villar Family Faces Graft Complaints Over PrimeWater Contracts

MANILA, Philippines – The Office of the Ombudsman confirmed on Friday, September 18, that graft complaints are now pending against members of the Villar family due to allegations related to PrimeWater Infrastructure Corporation. Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano confirmed that the Ombudsman filed criminal and administrative complaints against Senators Mark and Camille, former senators Manny and Cynthia Villar, and businessman Paolo Villar for preliminary investigation. Also included in the complaints are officers of PWIC, as well as local water district officials. Preliminary investigation is the step of criminal proceedings where prosecutors decide if there’s enough evidence against the respondents. If there is, the prosecutors will indict the respondents and file cases with courts. “[This is] for violation, of section 3(e) and 3(g) of [Republic Act No.] 3019, otherwise known as the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. This is the initial list, and there are still more water districts under investigation, and expectantly more cases in the pipelines,” Clavano said. – Rappler.com