Las Piñas Lone District Representative and senatorial aspirant Camille Villar pledged to prioritize job creation to improve the lives of Filipinos if elected to the Senate in the 2025 midterm elections.
In the Bakit Ikaw: The DZRH Job Interview on Wednesday, Villar emphasized her commitment to immediate solutions, stating that it is time to move past debates and conflicts and instead focus on the needs of the people, particularly livelihood and employment.
"Nais ko pong mag-focus sa mga solusyon na magagawa agad-agad. Tama na po ‘yung debate, tama na po ‘yung away, mag-focus tayo doon sa pangangailangan ng ating mga kababayan," Villar explained.
"Katulad ng livelihood, hanapbuhay, trabaho, pagbaba ng presyo ng mga bilihin, edukasyon para sa ating anak, at maghanap po tayo ng mga solusyon na maiimplement sa lalong madaling panahon," she added.
She further stated that nearly 2 million Filipinos are currently unemployed, while 10% are underemployed—either earning insufficient wages despite their qualifications or working in jobs that do not match their skills.
Given these figures, Villar emphasized the need to advocate for policies and legislation that promote job creation.
Villar stated that her top priority if elected to the Senate, would be pushing for policies and laws that support industries creating more jobs while ensuring fair wages and protections for workers.
Another Villar Poised to Join the Senate
The Villar family has maintained a strong presence in the Senate, beginning with former Senate President Manuel "Manny" Villar, followed by Cynthia Villar, and their son, incumbent Senator Mark Villar.
If Camille Villar secures a Senate seat in the upcoming elections, she will serve alongside her brother, further extending the family's political influence in the legislative chamber.
The youngest Villar believes that her surname or the presence of her brother in the Senate should not be an issue if she wins a seat in the upcoming elections, citing that each leader advocates for different causes and holds distinct beliefs.
"Kaya naman po ako tumatakbo para sa Senado ngayon ay mayroon akong sariling adhikain. Katulad niyan, ako po ay isang ina at I belong to the millennial generation so nakikita ko po ‘yung pangangailangan po ng henerasyon namin, ‘yung nagiging struggle namin," said Villar.
"Nakikita ko ‘yung hirap ng buhay ngayon at mayroon po akong nakikitang pwedeng isulong at mga solusyon sa Senado na nakahiwalay naman po at iba naman po sa inooffer ng aking kapatid na si Sen. Mark," she added.
She further stated that her mother, during her time in the Senate, advocated for agriculture, while her own focus will be on trade and industry.
'Land-Grabbing' Allegations Against the Villar Family
The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Philippines strongly denied accusations that they are stealing from farmers or engaging in the illegal acquisition of agricultural lands.
Moreover, she asserted that all operations of their company are legal and comply with Philippine laws, emphasizing that all developed or converted subdivisions are duly compensated and follow the same legal processes as other developers in the country.
"So wala naman po kaming ilegal na ginagawa. In fact, ang akin pong pamilya, lalong-lalo na ang aking mother na si Cynthia Villar, ang buong karera niya po sa Senado, maging ang aking papa rin na si Senate President Manny Villar was the Chairman of Agriculture at one point, and they have always believed at gusto talaga nila palaguin at paunlarin ang sektor ng agrikultura," Villar explained.
She also stated that her family’s only goal is to help develop the agriculture sector, as it creates jobs and plays a crucial role in achieving the country’s food security.
Perspective on the State of Agriculture in the Philippines
Villar noted that there are various ways to preserve agricultural lands and enhance the overall performance and output of the sector.
"I think una sa lahat, nakikita naman natin na ang average age po ng ating mga farmers ngayon ay 56," Villar stated.
"So dapat ‘yung pagmamahal at dedikasyon sa agrikultura at pagp-preserve nung agricultural lands ay maipasa natin sa susunod na henerasyon," she added.
Villar believes that this can be achieved through education and proper training, along with various programs aimed at not only providing farmers with land but also helping them increase their output to ensure sufficient income.
Meanwhile, in discussions on the Rice Tariffication Law (RTL), Villar stated that, to her knowledge, the passed law was a collaborative effort between the Senate, the Department of Agriculture, and all relevant stakeholders.
She then stated that, over time, the circumstances when the law was passed differed from the current situation, emphasizing the need to adjust policies to suit the present conditions and challenges.
"Ngayon, para sa akin naman po ay dapat pwede naman pong i-consider ‘yan pero pag aralan po natin ng mabuti kung sino ba dapat ang nagdi-distribute ng rice, kung sino bang government agency ang dapat nagmomonitor, nagdidistribute," Villar explained.
"Pero ang nakikita ko naman na ang goal po nating lahat ay pare-pareho, at ‘yan ay magkaroon ng affordable na bigas para sa ating mga kababayan at naniniwala naman ako na ang efforts na ‘yan ay makaka-achieve non," she added.
On the Issue of the Teen Pregnancy Prevention Bill
She stated that the issue of teen pregnancy is real and should be addressed, noting that the increase in its incidence rate in recent years is truly alarming.
However, she clarified that the proposed bill needs further study. While she agrees with its objective, she emphasizes the importance of determining the best way to implement it.
'Bakit Ikaw?'
When asked the question "Bakit Ikaw?" Villar responded that she sees the current problems faced by the people, such as the rising cost of electricity and the increasing prices of goods.
"Ano ba ang magiging solusyon dito? Bagamat matagal pa po or kumplikado po ang pagbaba ng presyo ng mga bilihin, ang alam ko pong magagawa po natin ay siguraduhin na ang ating mga kababayan ay mayroong sapat na kita para po masuportahan niyo ang inyong pamilya," she added.
She then stated that, as a mother, she understands the uncertainty and hardships of life today. Villar emphasized the need for someone to monitor the income of Filipino families and ensure that everyone has access to jobs and livelihoods.
"Dapat pataasin rin natin ang kita ng ating mga kababayan," said Villar.
"Napakaimportante po na hindi po puro pangako, hindi puro theoretical ideas ang gagawin natin. Dapat ‘yung mga solusyon na maiimplement sa lalong madaling panahon," she added.
Villar emphasized the need for concrete solutions, stressing that it is not just about discussions or debates on what should be done but about taking immediate action.
Villar has been serving in the House of Representatives since 2019 and is also the President and CEO of AllValue, which operates under the Villar Group.
