Ombudsman Boying Remulla revealed that his office has been investigating alleged irregularities linked to the Villar family, with inspections spanning Las Piñas to Cavite. He described the findings as “the most massive that she has ever seen.”
“Meron nung sinabi kong may task force ako sa Villar, gumagalaw na ‘yun, gumagalaw na ‘yun. Inikutan na nila. Umikot na sila ng Las Piñas hanggang Cavite. Inikutan na nila. Hindi kami tumitigil,” Remulla said, noting veteran investigators were shocked by the scale of the alleged corruption.
Potential charges under consideration include conflict of interest and civil forfeiture.
“In the words of the person investigating na beterano na sa Ombudsman’s office, kinilabutan daw siya nung nakita niya ‘yung dinaanan niyang mga lugar… Kasi hindi siya nakahanap ng ganoong ka-massive na gawain related to graft and corruption,” he added.
Remulla detailed the alleged scheme, saying several roads and river walls were constructed to benefit Villar-owned properties.
“May mga roads kasi ginawa talaga to benefit their properties. May mga river wall na ginawa to benefit their properties. ‘Yung mga roads na ginawa from their one property to the other, mga ano eh, mga talagang ‘yung original na paratang pa ni Lito Banayo, nila Ping Lacson nung 2010, ‘yun pa rin. Napatunayan dito, tuloy-tuloy pala ‘yan. Hindi pala tumigil,” he said.
He also noted that the Office of the Government Corporate Counsel (OGCC) is investigating PrimeWater, a company linked to the family, adding that issues in Cavite have surfaced as well.
“Ang dami nilang pinasok na negosyo everywhere,” Remulla remarked, joking that he and Cavite Rep. Kiko Barzaga might “see eye to eye” on some findings.