Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III has come to the defense of the Villar family, questioning their alleged involvement in the multibillion-peso flood control corruption controversy and asserting that they are being unjustly targeted for political reasons.
In a radio interview, Sotto expressed disbelief over the accusations against former Senator Cynthia Villar and her family, saying political motives may be behind the renewed attention on their name.
“Hindi ako naniniwala si Cynthia Villar mai-involve doon. Basta si Cynthia ang pinag-uusapan, may doubt ako, very doubtful ako doon,” said Sotto.
The Senate leader pointed out that the Villars’ long-standing business is real estate, not public infrastructure or flood control projects.
“Katulad nun, pagkakabanggit kay Mark Villar. Akin lang ito. Opinyon lang ito. Huwag na naman magagalit yung mga may ibang opinion. Ang negosyo nila Mark Villar, real estate eh. Wala construction company yung mga yan eh,” Sotto explained.
He further emphasized that comparing the Villars’ businesses to those of government contractors allegedly involved in anomalies is unfair.
“Kaya hindi mo pwedeng iparis yung apples to oranges. Kawawa naman at napapag-initan,” he added.
Sotto’s defense of the Villars came amid public scrutiny after Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla, formerly the Secretary of Justice, mentioned the family’s name in connection with the ongoing investigation into questionable flood control projects.
Reports indicated that the controversy began when I&E Construction, a firm owned by the Villars’ cousin and former Las Piñas City Councilor Carlo Aguilar, allegedly secured ₱18.5 billion worth of government projects during Mark Villar’s tenure as Secretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
Both Senators Mark and Camille Villar, children of Cynthia Villar, are members of the 15-member Senate majority bloc led by Sotto. Camille also ran alongside him under the administration’s senatorial slate “Alyansa Para Sa Bagong Pilipinas” in the last midterm elections.
Despite mounting questions, Sotto stood firm, saying he believes the Villars are simply “taking the heat” from political critics.