Mark Villar backs out of senatorial race
MANILA, Philippines – Despite supporters urging him to push through with his senatorial bid in 2016, Las Piñas Rep. Mark Villar on Thursday said he will instead gun for re-election at the House of Representatives.
Mark, son of Nacionalista president and former Senate President Manuel “Manny” Villar and Sen. Cynthia Villar, said he is sincerely grateful for the outpouring of support from Filipinos who think that he can serve better as a senator.
“While I have not formally declared a Senate bid, I remain flattered by the encouraging polling numbers. But after consultation with my constituents, supporters and family, we’ve come to the conclusion that there is still much to be done in Las Piñas and in the House of Representatives,” Mark said in a statement.
“I am running for re-election as representative of the Lone District of Las Piñas in May 2016,” he added.
Mark said he is at peace with his decision to not seek higher office and happy for his family’s support in serving Las Piñas City instead.
“As Las Piñas congressman, I want to focus my energies on the advocacies I have started since my first term while spending more time with my wife and baby,” Mark said.
On Wednesday, reports surfaced that Mark may not join the senatorial race after his mother Cynthia opposed the idea of following the footsteps of Sen. Jinggoy Estrada and his mother, former Sen. Loi Ejercito who served the Senate in the same Congress.
Mark was listed as a potential senatorial candidate by the Liberal Party.
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