Mark Villar joins Senate majority bloc

VILLARS. Senators Mark and Camille Villar during a Senate session on July 29, 2025.

Senate Social Media Unit

Mark Villar’s move comes as the Office of the Ombudsman announced graft complaints against his family over PrimeWater contracts, and amid the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte before senator-judges

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 and highways, 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. – Rappler.com