TANZA, Cavite , Philippines - Nacionalista Party standard-bearer Sen. Manuel Villar Jr. defended himself yesterday from accusations that he had converted a rice land in Iloilo into a housing project.
Villar, also a businessman, has built his fortune from developing and selling real estate properties.
The Liberal Party earlier claimed that Villar had turned a 12.7-hectare “first-class irrigated rice land” near Oton town into a residential land.
“These are all fabrications. We followed a process according to the law. These are public companies which are open for scrutiny,” Villar said on the sidelines of his campaign sortie here.
The LP noted that based on “conservative” estimates, the entire property costs P2.4 million as agricultural land, or at P150 per square meter. Its market value shot up to as high as P420 million after it was converted into a private subdivision. A square meter costs P3,500.
“The law prohibits its conversion into a residential project. Regardless of the development, it shows the lack of decency on Villar’s part. You put in jeopardy our ability to produce rice in this area. This is a crime,” said LP’s Franklin Drilon, who is again running for senator.
Villar insisted that all transactions involving his real estate firms are aboveboard and legal.
“We are not violating any law. We are not taking advantage of anyone. We are not fooling the public,” said Villar.
He noted that his public companies have passed through the scrutiny of the Securities and Exchange Commission as well as other agencies of the government involved in land conversion and housing matters.
Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago has lambasted the LP for its “mudslinging” against Villar.
Villar in El Shaddai HK fellowship
Meanwhile, Villar said he is spending Valentine’s Day and Chinese New Year in Hong Kong today to show support for the influential El Shaddai charismatic group.
Bro. Mike Velarde will welcome Villar during the El Shaddai’s Valentine and Chinese New Year prayer fellowship today at 3 p.m. on Chatter Road in Hong Kong’s central business district.
Reports said El Shaddai members were asked to wear orange, the signature color of Villar. – With Marvin Sy, Delon Porcalla and Perseus Echeminada