Mark Villar: “None of my relatives acquired any contracts”
MARK VILLAR – The senator has firmly denied allegations that his family benefited from government contracts during his term as secretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) from 2016 to 2021 under the Duterte administration.
The issue arose after Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla revealed that Villar, along with his sister Senator Camille Villar and their mother, former Senator Cynthia Villar, is being investigated over alleged links to a Las Piñas-based contractor. Reports claimed that this contractor, said to be related to the Villar family, secured around ₱18.5 billion worth of government projects. Remulla also pointed out that one of Villar’s first cousins is a contractor, which could be considered a “prohibited interest.”
In response, Senator Villar issued a strong statement defending himself and his family. He stressed that neither he nor any of his relatives obtained government contracts during his leadership at DPWH. “I have no direct or indirect ownership or controlling interest in any company participating in DPWH projects,” Villar said. “The official record will confirm that none of my relatives acquired any contracts from 2016 to 2021, during my tenure as Secretary.”
He added that he is open to any investigation and even welcomes it, saying he has “nothing to hide.” Villar emphasized his belief in accountability and due process, assuring the public that he fully supports probes into infrastructure dealings.
During his time in DPWH, Villar said his mission was to establish a culture of transparency. This included reforms such as improving right-of-way acquisition processes and using technology like geotagging to ensure integrity in infrastructure projects. “I have full faith that my service record in those years bears witness to this focus and commitment,” he said, adding that he supports the work of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure to ensure continuous oversight.