Villar asks for restraint in making conclusions amid graft complaints

MANILA, Philippines — Former Senate President Manuel “Manny” Villar on Friday asked that “conclusions not be drawn” against his family at this time, before they are able to respond to the criminal and administrative cases against them by the ombudsman.

Earlier, Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano announced that the Fact-Finding and Investigation Bureau of the ombudsman intends to file of two counts of graft and administrative cases against Villar, his spouse, ex-Sen. Cynthia Villar and their children – Sens. Mark and CamilleVillar; and businessman Paolo Villar.

The charges are in connection with alleged “grossly disadvantageous” agreements entered into by Prime Water Infrastructure Corporation (PWIC).

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“The Office of the Ombudsman is filing criminal and administrative complaints against several respondents in relation to an investigation on grossly disadvantageous joint venture agreements of Prime Water Infrastructure Corporation or PWIC with the local water districts,” Clavano had said.

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In response, Villar asked the public to avoid drawing premature judgments.

“We ask that the legal process be allowed to take its course and that conclusions not be drawn before the parties have been afforded the opportunity to be heard,” Villar said in a statement sent to the media.

He added that they have yet to receive copies of the complaint which is still undergoing preliminary investigation at the ombudsman

Villar said they will address the cases at the “appropriate time and in the proper forum.”

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“We are confident that, once given the opportunity to examine the allegations and the evidence supporting them, we will be able to fully and properly defend our rights and address the matters raised against us,” the former Senate leader said.

READ: Ombudsman files graft charges vs Villars, local water districts

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According to Clavano, the Office of the Government Corporate Council reported that the PWIC has joint ventures with 75 local water districts from 2015 to 2022.

Nineteen of the districts issued notices of pre-termination amid PWIC’s supposed failure to “supply uninterrupted water resources and has instead provided poor drinking water standards,” Clavano said.

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The PWIC also has total unpaid obligations worth over P65 million, the Commission on Audit reported. /apl