MANILA, Philippines — Senate President Win Gatchalian has emphasized the necessity of due process for members of the Villar family after the Office of the Ombudsman launched criminal and administrative cases concerning concession deals involving a water firm previously under their ownership.
Speaking in a television interview on Friday, September 18, Gatchalian stressed the importance of transparency and fairness throughout the proceedings.
“Ang importante mabigyan sila ng due process. Masunod ang proseso,” he said.
“Importante na marinig yung kanilang side at importante na yung mga ebidensya ay transparent,” Gatchalian added.
The Ombudsman disclosed on Friday that it had initiated a preliminary investigation into two counts of graft alongside administrative charges against family patriarch and former Senate President Manny Villar, former Senator Cynthia Villar, sitting Senators Mark and Camille Villar, and businessman Paolo Villar.
The allegations stem from contested joint venture contracts and service controversies linked to PrimeWater Infrastructure Corporation.
When asked if the legal actions might carry political undertones, Gatchalian remarked that public perceptions remain beyond his control, focusing instead on preserving the integrity of the legislature.
“Hindi natin makokontrol yung personal dealings. Ang importante lang yung [Senate] institution. Whatever you do in the institution, dapat maprotektahan yun. But outside, hindi na namin mako-control yan,” he noted.
Addressing speculations on whether lawmakers linked to Vice President Sara Duterte are being targeted during her active impeachment proceedings, the Senate leader dismissed such claims.
“Wala naman akong alam na ganun,” Gatchalian stated.
The complaints come as other figures associated with the Duterte bloc face separate legal proceedings.
Senators Rodante Marcoleta and Jinggoy Estrada are currently held on non-bailable plunder counts during the ongoing impeachment trial, while Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa has kept out of the public eye following an arrest order from the International Criminal Court regarding his role as police chief during the previous administration’s anti-drug campaign.