The Office of the Ombudsman is investigating allegations that Senators Mark and Camille Villar intervened in the Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1) extension project, reportedly causing delays to its development.
In a radio interview over the weekend, Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla confirmed that graft investigators are validating reports that the lawmakers blocked the construction of the Niog Station in Bacoor, Cavite.
The station is a crucial segment of the rail project, which is scheduled for completion in 2027.
“Iniimbestigahan namin… kasi dapat ‘yan, umabot na ng Cavite ‘yan. Kaya lang ang naging kwento, we are still determining kung totoo o hindi, meron talagang senador, two senators, ‘yung mga Villar, who were going against the alignment,” Remulla stated.
According to the Ombudsman, the investigation centers on claims that the senators lobbied to reroute the railway toward C-5 Road in Las Piñas, where their family owns vast tracts of land.
“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.
Expressing concern over how private real estate interests might be impacting public infrastructure policy, Remulla noted that such influence presents a significant obstacle to mass transit and regulatory frameworks.
“‘Yung mass transit authority is a big question kasi sa Senado pa lang may dalawang boto ka na na lalaban sa’yo. Ayaw nila. Sila rin ang ayaw ng Land Use Act. ‘Yan ang alam ng lahat sa Senado, mga Villar… sana ‘di totoo pero we are investigating,” Remulla remarked.
Remulla warned that legislative interference driven by personal or corporate agendas threatens national progress, especially when critical taxpayer-funded projects are stalled.
“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 said.
The Ombudsman further criticized the systemic use of political leverage to protect private wealth at the expense of public welfare.
“They are using the rules of the Senate, the rules of the House… ‘yung greed sana mamoderate. Tama na.”
To advance the investigation, the Ombudsman’s office is currently auditing official communications and documentation from the government agencies managing the railway project.
The camp of the Villar senators has yet to issue a formal response to the allegations.