Former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary and now Senator Mark Villar released a statement on Thursday, denying any involvement in alleged irregularities tied to the agency’s projects during his tenure as DPWH Secretary
“I am issuing this statement to set the record straight on recent matters and to reaffirm my unwavering commitment to transparency and good governance,” Villar wrote, expressing his full support for any investigation into the allegations, stating that he has nothing to hide and remains committed to accountability and due process.
In a previous report, the Department of Justice (DOJ) confirmed that the Villar family is under investigation for being linked to a top contractor in Las Piñas who secured P18.5 billion worth of government projects during Mark Villar’s time as DPWH Secretary and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Works. The allegation states that the contractor named Carlo Aguilar, who is reportedly connected to I&E Construction Corporation, is Mark Villar’s first cousin, a relationship that Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla described as a “prohibited interest.”
However, the senator firmly denied it, "Let me be unequivocal: I have no direct or indirect ownership or controlling interest in any company participating in DPWH projects. The official record will confirm that none of my relatives acquired any contracts from 2016 to 2021, during my tenure as Secretary.”
He emphasized that his sole focus during his tenure as DPWH Secretary was to implement meaningful reforms and restore public trust in the agency, noting that the efforts were carried out through various initiatives and strategies.
He also highlighted that they digitized all DPWH data through partnerships with various institutions to promote transparency and accessibility.
“Our mission was to create a culture of complete transparency, from right-of-way acquisition to geotagging,” he said, also stating that the department leveraged technology by using drones to monitor projects and actively invited civil society organizations to conduct on-site inspections, promoting greater transparency and public accountability.
“I have full faith that my service record in those years bears witness to this focus and commitment. To build upon that work, I fully support the investigation of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure,” Villar stated, expressing confidence in his performance and openness to further scrutiny.
The senator firmly denied the allegations of any conflict of interest with contractor Aguilar or involvement in any ill-activities within the agency. Nevertheless, several reports have been raised, citing his familial link to the Aguilar clan and concerns over the use of public funds and alleged abuses.
It is on record that Las Piñas Representative Mark Anthony Santos revealed that the majority of the projects were awarded to a few contractors, whom he claimed to be either “relatives” or “allies” of local politicians, to which he mentioned I&E Construction as one of the contractors allegedly involved in “ghost projects” in the area.
Santos also revealed that several DPWH projects in the city, including drainage systems, multipurpose buildings, and flood control structures, were implemented without securing permits from the local government.
The Villar family operates numerous businesses in the country, spanning from residential projects, housing, water services, and more.
