Villar siblings deny blocking LRT-1 Cavite extension, but Ombudsman says investigation is on

Senators Mark and Camille Villar are pushing back against allegations that they caused delays in the LRT-1 Cavite Extension project — a multibillion-peso railway meant to serve thousands of commuters in Cavite.

"I deny any allegation that I intervened, influenced, or obstructed the alignment or implementation of the LRT-1 Extension Project," Camille Villar said in a statement on Wednesday, June 17. "I haven't had any participation in any discussion, deliberation, or meeting relating to the LRT-1 extension project, either in my personal capacity or as a Senator."

Her brother, Senator Mark Villar, also denied the claims, saying his "track record speaks for itself."

The denials come after Ombudsman Boying Remulla said on his weekly radio program that authorities are investigating claims that the Villar siblings pushed back against the construction of the Niog Station in Bacoor, Cavite. That station is targeted for completion in 2027.

Remulla didn't hold back. "They want it to pass through their land because there's already an alignment there in Sucat. That's where they stopped it…they want to elevate it to C-5, where they have land," he said.

He also pointed to the political weight the Villars carry. "The mass transit authority is a big question because even in the Senate, you already have two votes that will go against you. They don't want it. They're also the ones against the Land Use Act. That's what everyone in the Senate knows — the Villars…. I hope it's not true, but we're investigating," Remulla added.

The land use bill — a measure meant to regulate how land is used across the country — stalled in the Senate when the Villar matriarch, Cynthia Villar, chaired the Senate committee on environment, natural resources, and climate change. Critics say the family's massive real estate holdings create a conflict of interest.

The Villar family's company, Villar Land Holdings Corporation, is already facing a criminal complaint over alleged market manipulation, insider trading, and misleading disclosures. That complaint was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

The LRT-1 Cavite Extension is a major infrastructure project under the government's "Build, Build, Build" program. Once complete, it'll extend the existing LRT-1 line from Baclaran to Bacoor, Cavite, cutting travel time for thousands of daily commuters. The project has faced repeated delays and cost overruns.

Remulla's comments suggest the investigation is active, but no formal charges have been filed yet. The Ombudsman's office has the power to investigate and prosecute public officials for corruption.

For now, the Villars are sticking to their denial. But with a criminal complaint already on the table and an Ombudsman investigation underway, the spotlight on the family's business and political interests isn't going anywhere.