Mark Villar joins Senate majority bloc
MANILA, Philippines — Senator Mark Villar has joined the Senate majority bloc, Senate President Pro Tempore Vicente “Tito” Sotto III confirmed Thursday, October 8.
“Well, apparently,” Sotto told reporters in an ambush interview when asked about Villar’s transfer.
“We’re glad because we’re all loaded with work… We have the impeachment, legislative [duties], and budget [deliberations], so it would be better if we have more members,” he said.
Sotto said he was informed of the change only earlier in the day and that Senate Majority Floor Leader Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri coordinated Villar’s transfer.
The Senate held its final plenary session on Thursday before going on a break from October 9 to November 9.
During the session, Zubiri moved for the election of Villar as a member of the Commission on Appointments (CA) under the majority bloc. Villar was also elected chairperson of the Senate committee on public works, replacing Sotto.
Asked if Villar had formally joined the majority, Zubiri said: “Yes, we just elected him to the CA and public works committee as part of the majority.”
With Villar’s transfer, the majority bloc now has 14 members, while the minority has 10. His sister, Senator Camille Villar, remains with the minority bloc.
Villar’s move came as the Office of the Ombudsman announced graft complaints against members of the Villar family over contracts involving their firm, PrimeWater. It also comes amid the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, which will be decided by senator-judges.
Cayetano: Minority’s ‘duty remains unchanged’
In a statement, Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano said he wished Villar well and stressed that the members of the minority bloc will continue to fulfill their duty despite the latest development.
“We understand all too well the circumstances and considerations that lead to changes in political alliances. Since May 11, it has become increasingly clear how important it is for this administration to maintain a closely allied working majority in the Senate,” Cayetano said.
“But regardless of how the political landscape shifts, our duty remains unchanged. We will continue to stand for what is right, uphold our institutions, and work for the good of our nation,” Cayetano added.
Asked about the decision of Villar to jump ship to the majority bloc, Senator Bong Go, a member of the minority bloc, said in a media interview that they respect his decision.
Responding to questions, Go said that they remain on good terms with Villar. “We respect each other,” he said. – Rappler.com
