MANILA — The Office of the Ombudsman has launched an investigation into allegations that senators Mark Villar and Camille Villar interfered with the alignment of the Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1) Cavite Extension Project, a move that may have contributed to delays in one of the government’s flagship mass transit projects.
Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla confirmed that graft investigators are examining claims that the two senators opposed the original alignment of the project, which was supposed to extend rail service deeper into Cavite and is now targeted for completion in 2027.
“Iniimbestigahan namin… kasi dapat ‘yan, umabot na ng Cavite ‘yan. Kaya lang ang naging kwento, we are still determining kung totoo o hindi, meron talagang senador, two senators, ‘yung mga Villar, who were going against the alignment,” Remulla said in a radio interview.
According to Remulla, investigators are looking into allegations that the senators sought to alter the railway route so that it would pass through C-5 Road in Las Piñas, where the Villar family reportedly owns properties.
“Gusto nila dumaan sa lupa nila kasi may alignment na ‘yan doon sa Sucat. Doon tinigil nila… gusto nila itaas sa C-5 kung saan may lupa sila,” he said.
Remulla said the alleged actions, if proven, could raise concerns about the influence of private interests on publicly funded infrastructure projects.
“’Yung mass transit authority is a big question kasi sa Senado pa lang may dalawang boto ka na na lalaban sa’yo. Ayaw nila. Sila rin ang ayaw ng Land Use Act. ’Yan ang alam ng lahat sa Senado, mga Villar… sana ‘di totoo pero we are investigating,” he said.
The Ombudsman chief underscored the need to ensure that infrastructure development proceeds without undue interference.
“We are investing in infrastructure using people’s money. Ang ating budget dapat naka-support dyan. Ang problema, if it goes against their interest, ayaw nila suportahan. Hinaharang nila,” Remulla said.
He also alleged that legislative procedures could be used to delay or block projects.
“They are using the rules of the Senate, the rules of the House… ’yung greed sana ma-moderate. Tama na,” he added.
Remulla said investigators are currently reviewing communications and records from government agencies involved in the LRT-1 Cavite Extension as part of the ongoing inquiry.
The LRT-1 Cavite Extension is a major transportation project intended to improve connectivity between Metro Manila and Cavite and ease travel for thousands of commuters once completed./PN
