By Ruben A.Veloria

 

SUBIC, Zambales — Crystal Bridges Holding Corporation (CBHC), owned by Puregold Price Club founder Lucio Co, has officially taken over the management and operations of PrimeWater in this municipality.

The transition follows CBHC’s 100% acquisition of PrimeWater Infrastructure Corp.’s stocks from the Villar Group, effectively transferring control of the Subic Water District joint venture as of May 11, 2026.

The acquisition was announced during a media briefing attended by senior PrimeWater officials, led by President Engr. Jose Paulino Santamarina and General Manager Engr. Jose Dinulong. Also present were Subic Mayor Jon Khonghun, Zambales 1st District Representative Jay Khonghun, and Subic Water District Chairperson Paulyn Goña.

An Apology to Consumers

During the briefing, Santamarina apologized to the thousands of local households—representing roughly 35% of Subic’s water consumers—who have been plagued by chronic water shortages. ”We recognize the severe impact these water disruptions have had on local businesses and households,” Santamarina said.

“We sincerely apologize to the public for the hardships they have experienced.” To address these issues, Santamarina announced several immediate initiatives to ensure a steady, high-pressure water supply through the dry and rainy seasons alike. The new management’s pipeline for the year includes constructing three new deep wells and replacing aging distribution pipes.

Local Leadership Demands Accountability

tability Local officials did not hold back their frustration regarding the town’s previous service provider. ”We were completely neglected by PrimeWater,” Subic Mayor Jon Khonghun said in Tagalog.

“This must not happen again under Crystal Bridges.” Congressman Jay Khonghun echoed the sentiment, noting that past promises went unfulfilled. “The Villar Group promised us infrastructure development and better services, but nothing was delivered.

Under Lucio Co’s leadership, we expect genuine and improved service.” To ensure accountability, Rep. Khonghun, Mayor Khonghun, and Engr. Dinulong have mandated that the new management submit a comprehensive program plan, detailing specific engineering upgrades and project timelines.

Funding and Rate Freezes

When asked if Co was prepared to heavily invest in the rehabilitation of Subic’s water network, Santamarina assured the public that the necessary capital is already secured.

”Crystal Bridges is fully committed. The resources have been prepared, and the funds are ready,” Santamarina stated. “The new management will settle all outstanding liabilities left behind by the previous operator. We acknowledge the financial obligations required for a total system rehabilitation, and we have sufficient funding to do it.”

In a final reassurance to residents, Santamarina pledged a strict rate freeze during the transition period.

”While we work on improving water services across all barangays in Subic, there will be absolutely no water rate increases until all promised upgrades are completed and consumers are fully satisfied with our service,” Santamarina concluded.