JUSTICE Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla has announced that the Department of Justice (DOJ) will launch an investigation into members of the Villar family, including Senators Mark and Camille Villar, concerning alleged irregularities in flood control projects.
The probe centers around reports of “prohibited interest,” with a family member allegedly acting as a contractor on these projects.
The investigation into Senator Mark Villar specifically focuses on approximately P18.5 billion worth of projects in Las Piñas, where his first cousin is alleged to be the contractor. Remulla has classified this relationship as a “prohibited interest.”
The DOJ’s inquiry will extend to other members of the Villar family, including former Senator Cynthia Villar, due to their familial relationship with the alleged contractor, falling within the 1st to 4th degree of consanguinity.
Remulla emphasized that the investigation into the Villar clan is part of a broader examination of 67 cases being reviewed by Congress.
While invitations to individuals like Senator Mark Villar will be issued at a later stage, the DOJ is currently working to “build up everything” based on leads from media reports. This investigation marks a significant development in the government’s efforts to address alleged corruption and irregularities in public infrastructure projects.
