Senator Mark Villar has strongly denied allegations that he and his sister, Senator Camille Villar, utilized their political positions to alter the route of the LRT-1 Extension Project to benefit their family’s real estate developments in Las Piñas.
In an official statement issued on Tuesday, June 16, Senator Mark Villar dismissed the accusations, stating that he never obstructed the mass transit development and expressed total willingness to cooperate with any official probe.
“I vehemently deny allegations that I delayed or blocked the implementation of the LRT-1 extension project,” he stated.
“I have never used my position for personal gain. My track record speaks for itself. I welcome any legitimate investigation on the matter.”
The senator’s remarks come after Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla revealed that his office is actively investigating complaints against the Villar siblings concerning the railway project.
Anti-graft investigators are looking into potential delays facing the construction of the Niog Station in Bacoor, Cavite, which is scheduled for completion in 2027.
In a recent radio interview, Remulla detailed the scope of the ongoing fact-finding investigation.
“Iniimbestigahan namin… kasi dapat yan, umabot na ng Cavite yan. Kaya lang ang naging kwento, we are still determining kung totoo o hindi, mayroon talagang senador, two senators, yung mga Villar, who were going against the alignment.”
The Ombudsman alleged that the siblings attempted to reroute the railway tracks from its original path in Sucat toward the C-5 Road in Las Piñas, an area where the family holds vast real estate assets.
“Gusto nila dumaan sa lupa nila kasi may alignment na yan doon sa Sucat. Doon tinigil nila… gusto nila itaas sa C-5 kung saan may lupa sila,” Remulla explained.
Furthermore, Remulla claimed that the family’s political influence has historically blocked infrastructure initiatives and critical legislative bills, such as the National Land Use Act, whenever they crossed paths with their private business interests.
“We are investing in infrastructure using people’s money. Ang ating budget dapat naka-support dyan. Ang problema, if it goes against their interest, ayaw nila suportahan. Hinaharang nila,” he remarked.
“They are using the rules of the Senate, the rules of the House… yung greed sana mamoderate. Tama na.”
While Senator Mark Villar has welcomed the investigation to clear his name, Senator Camille Villar has yet to issue a statement regarding the matter.
The issue adds to the growing legal pressure on the family, whose real estate corporation, Villar Land, is already under separate government scrutiny for alleged market manipulation and insider trading.