Villar: There is no turning back

CEBU, Philippines - Nacionalista Party President Manuel “Manny” Villar believes the current lineup of presidential hopefuls will continue to dwindle as the elections get near but what is certain, he said, is that he will be among the few in the final list.

“Marami talaga ang tatakbong presidente sa ngayon kasi malayo pa ang eleksyon. Pero asahan mo pag malapit na ang eleksyon, tatlo na lang ang matitira at siguradong isa ako doon,” Villar said in an interview over dyHP yesterday. 

In fact, Villar said the move of Senator Manuel “Mar” Roxas in backing out from the race to give way to fellow Liberal Party member Senator Benigno Simeon “Noynoy” Aquino is “normal.” 

Roxas is yet to decide whether or not to accept the clamor of his party mates to run as Aquino’s vice president.

Villar said the entry of Aquino into the race does not at all change his plans for the presidency. “That is a welcome development,” he said.

Villar and his wife, Las Piñas Representative Cynthia Villar were in Cebu to plant fruit-bearing trees to celebrate their 34th wedding anniversary.

Shrugging off speculations that his move was but a political gimmick, Villar said he has planted over 1million trees for the past 30 years nationwide. He, nevertheless, said the environment would definitely be in his platform of governance if he wins as president.

“Ang pagtanim ay isang murang paraan para pampaganda ang ating kapaligiran. At ito ang dapat nating gawin to combat global warming. We need massive reforestation,” the presidential hopeful said.

He also said that the country needs more forest rangers to curb illegal logging and other activities that destroy the environment. He further said that farmers need more support from government particularly on improving irrigation systems.

Villar said he has since taken a stand on issues faced by less fortunate Filipinos, including housing, poverty, and jobs even before he announced his bid for the presidency.

Villar has also launched “Helpline” that addresses the concerns faced by Overseas Filipino Workers while working abroad.

“It is very consoling when you see OFWs smile and really happy about what Helpline has done for them,” Villar said.

Villar also confirmed being among the first to extend assistance to the victims of the ill-fated Super Ferry 9 when.

Meanwhile, Cynthia said she prefers to set aside thoughts of being first lady, for now, but said she would focus on providing livelihood and addressing environmental concerns should Villar win.

Cynthia is the richest member of the House of Representatives with a total net worth of P1.046 billion. — Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon/JMO (THE FREEMAN)