Sen. Camille Villar Cites Public Health Concern due to Leptospirosis
CAMILLE VILLAR – The neophyte Senator seeks a Senate probe on the rising cases of leptospirosis in the Philippines.
In the 20th Congress, there are two (2) Villars sitting as senators — Senator Mark and Senator Camille. The former is halfway to the end of his term while the latter is a newbie senator after serving as the congresswoman of Las Piñas district.
Sen. Camille Villar attempted to switch positions with her mother, former Sen. Cynthia Villar, during the 2025 Midterm Elections but former Sen. Cynthia Villar matriarch lost in the congressional race in Las Piñas. Meanwhile, the former Senate lawmaker assured that she will continue to serve the district.
Sen. Camille Villar was endorsed by both Vice President Sara Duterte and the Alyansa Para Sa Pagbabago led by Pres. Bongbong Marcos in the 2025 Midterm Elections. She was also reported as the biggest spender in the senatorial campaign. Recently, the neophyte lawmaker filed a resolution seeking for a Senate probe on the rising cases of leptospirosis in the Philippines.
Based on a report on Inquirer, Villar seeks a Senate investigation “in aid of legislation”. The newbie Senator wants to probe into the ways of the Department of Health (DOH) and the other concerned agencies in addressing the rising cases of leptospirosis in the country.
Villar also want to know how the health department and the other concerned agencies map out strategies to reduce fatalities due to the said disease caused by bacterium Leptospira. The Senator cited that the rainy season and the extreme flooding in the country are contributors to the health problem.
“Leptospirosis disease is a serious public health problem, mainly affecting the productive age group and those living in flood-prone areas,” Villar said.
In her resolution, Sen. Camille Villar cited that the increasing cases of leptospirosis in the country is “reflective of a broader public health concern”. Based on the report, the Senate probe that she is calling for aims to ensure that the ways for the prevention of the disease are really effective and the public is aware on how to prevent it. She also wants a stronger coordination among the concerned agencies to reduce fatalities.
Flooding is one of the constant problems in the Philippines during rainy season. Recently, Pres. Bongbong Marcos claimed that 20% of the P545-billion spending of the government for flood control projects went to 15 contractors. Senate President Chiz Escudero admitted that one of the flood control project contractors donated P30 million for his campaign.