LAS Piñas Rep. Mark Anthony Santos yesterday urged the Office of the Ombudsman to file appropriate charges against Senators Mark and Camille Villar, saying they should have divested their interests in their family’s private businesses upon assuming public office to avoid any actual or perceived conflict of interest.
Santos said the matter should be thoroughly investigated to determine whether the Villar siblings complied with all applicable laws and ethical standards governing public officials, particularly those intended to prevent actual or perceived conflicts of interest.
Santos issued the statement following Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla’s reminder that government officials must avoid conflicts of interest, saying they must choose between business and politics and should never mix the two.
Remulla described conflict of interest as a “sin” in public service and disclosed that around 12 to 15 lawmakers are facing prosecution for allegedly acting as government contractors while holding public office.
“Public office is a public trust. Government officials must uphold the highest standards of integrity and accountability, and they should avoid not only actual conflicts of interest but even the appearance of one,” Santos said.
According to Santos, the Villar siblings have come under increasing public scrutiny over their continued interests in corporate entities while serving as elected legislators.
He also noted that the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) imposed a ₱12-million fine on Villar Land Holdings Corp. (formerly Golden MV Holdings) and its directors, including Mark and Camille Villar, over reporting and disclosure violations, including issues related to the company’s financial disclosures.
Santos further pointed out that civil and criminal complaints alleging insider trading and market manipulation have been filed against parties in connection with Villar Land Holdings Corp., saying these developments reinforce the need for public officials to avoid not only actual conflicts of interest but also any appearance of impropriety.
Remulla also revealed that the Ombudsman is investigating Mark and Camille Villar for allegedly blocking and delaying the Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1) Cavite Extension project to benefit their family properties.
The Villars reportedly want the railway to be rerouted to traverse C-5 Road in Las Piñas, where they own land, altering the original alignment. Both senators have strongly denied meddling or obstructing the project.
Santos emphasized that senators are required by law to divest from business interests—either by selling their shares or stepping down from management positions in private corporations—to prevent conflicts of interest while serving in public office.
“The Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees (Republic Act No. 6713) mandates that officials divest their holdings or resign from private businesses within a specified timeframe after assuming office, especially when a potential conflict of interest is identified,” according to Santos.
The administration solon explained that divestment means selling off shares or interests in a business, essentially severing any financial ties between a public official and a private enterprise.
Santos added that a full and impartial investigation is necessary to protect public confidence in government institutions and to ensure that the law is applied fairly and consistently, regardless of a public official’s position or influence.
