Manny Villar Confident on Graft Allegations Over PrimeWater Issue

Business tycoon Manny Villar, former Senate president and patriarch of the Villar Group of Companies, expressed confidence Friday that he and his family can dispute the graft charges leveled by the Office of the Ombudsman over the alleged poor service of their PrimeWater Infrastructure Corporation. Villar, the ninth richest Filipino according to Forbes' 2026 list, issued the statement shortly after the Ombudsman announced that two counts of graft have been filed against him, his wife former senator Cynthia Villar, their senator-children Mark and Camille, and brother Paolo over the PrimeWater issue. "We have learned through media reports of the complaints reportedly filed before the Office of the Ombudsman. As of this time, we have yet to receive copies of the complaints and therefore cannot meaningfully comment on their specific allegations," he said. "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 Villar patriarch said. Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano said the Ombudsman's investigation lasted about six months, covering PrimeWater's joint venture deals with various water districts from 2015 to 2022. Officials of several water districts are also included as respondents in the complaint. The Villar family members, Clavano said, were the beneficial owners of PrimeWater during the period of investigation. In December 2025, the Villar Group sold PWIC to Lucio Co Group’s Crystal Bridges Holding Corp. The former Senate president assured that they will handle the matter in adherence to the law. "We respect the legal process and will respond to the complaints at the appropriate time and in the proper forum," he added. He also advised against prejudging the issues without giving those concerned a fair shake. "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," he added. Clavano cited alleged violations of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act related to government officials and individuals giving undue injury or unwarranted benefits, and for entering into disadvantageous public contracts. Senator Mark served as the secretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) from 2016 to 2021 before launching a successful senatorial bid in 2022. The Local Water Utilities Administration, which regulates the local water districts, is an attached agency of the DPWH. Mark, his sister Camille, their parents Manny and Cynthia, all served as representative of Las Piñas City ahead of their tenures in the Senate. — VDV, GMA News