Abby Binay, Camille Villar file candidacy for senator

MANILA, Philippines — Two scions of political families filed their respective certificates of candidacy for senator for the 2025 polls, with one vowing to contribute to a new type of politics and the other finally deciding to throw her hat into the national ring.

The 39-year-old Camille Villar described herself as the “only millennial candidate” and emphasized her commitment to contributing toward the country’s progress.

“As a Filipino youth, I can contribute towards a new politics in our country,” Villar said during her speech at the Manila Hotel.

Makati Mayor Abby Binay, meanwhile, said it took her several years to decide to run for a national position due to her desire for privacy.

“It’s still nerve-wracking to run for a national position. I’m not sure if I’m mentally ready,” Binay said.

Villar said that her values are rooted in the Filipino principles of sipag and tiyaga, which she said she learned from her parents.

“With my experience in business and public service, I believe I can offer fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to help build a brighter future for our generation and those to come,” Villar said.

If elected, she said she would be focusing on progressive job creation, support for small businesses, educational reform, housing initiatives and empowering women and youth.

Villar underscored the importance of providing small businesses and online sellers with platforms to grow, creating not only jobs but sustainable livelihoods.

She also cited the need for programs that do more than offer scholarships, aiming to ensure that youth are equipped with the skills necessary for employment and entrepreneurship.

She also plans to address housing, believing that stable housing is key to improving lives. She emphasized her commitment to providing adequate housing for Filipinos as a crucial component of her platform.

Regarding her family’s political legacy, Camille faced criticism that the family had turned the Senate into a “family affair.”

Her parents, former Senate president Manny and Sen. Cynthia, both have held seats in the Senate. Her brother Mark is also currently serving the Senate.

“I think what is very important here is that we were all elected officials,” she responded, adding that they are “deeply grateful to the Filipino people for their continued trust in our family.”

When asked how her parents reacted to her decision to run for the Senate, Camille said she was grateful for their support. “They have taught me a lot about responsibility and the need for hard work in public service,” she pointed out.

“I will work hard to earn the trust of the Filipino people and not disappoint them or my family,” Villar, part of the Marcos administration’s senatorial slate, promised.

From Makati to nation

Binay revealed that in 2013, her father, former vice president Jejomar Binay offered her to run for the Senate, but she declined because she values her privacy.

“I live under a microscope and with social media and bullying, I wasn’t ready at that time,” Abby said.

Abby said the reluctance delayed her decision to seek a Senate seat, but she ultimately chose to run, citing her nine years of experience in the House of Representatives, including her position as a deputy minority and majority leader and as Makati mayor.

If elected, she said that she plans to prioritize amendments to the Local Government Code to support local governance.

Meanwhile, Binay revealed that in 2013, her father, former vice president Jejomar Binay offered her to run for the Senate, but she declined because she values her privacy.

“I live under a microscope and with social media and bullying, I wasn’t ready at that time,” Abby said.

Abby said the reluctance delayed her decision to seek a Senate seat, but she ultimately chose to run, citing her nine years of experience in the House of Representatives, including her position as a deputy minority and majority leader and as Makati mayor.

If elected, she said that she plans to prioritize amendments to the Local Government Code to support local governance.

Makabayan to battle political dynasties

Hoping to end the pervasive political dynasties in the country, the Makabayan coalition senatorial aspirants officially filed their COCs yesterday.

All the 11 aspirants — registered nurse Jocelyn Andamo; PISTON president Mody Floranda; KADAMAY secretary-general Mimi Doringo; ACT Teachers Rep. France Castro; Gabriela Rep. Arlene Brosas; Kilusang Mayo Uno secretary-general Jerome Adonis; Pamalakaya vice chairman Ronnel Arambulo; Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas chair Danilo Ramos; former Gabriela representative Liza Maza; former Bayan Muna representative Teddy Casiño and indigenous leader Almirah Lidasan – arrived together and submitted their COCs to the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

Observing the filing of COCs for the past few days, Casiño said he noticed that most of the filers for both national and local positions belong to political clans and it “worsened” following the return to power of the Marcoses.

He further stressed that family members should stop simultaneously and consecutively running for their desired electoral positions.

If elected to the Senate, Casiño said he would propose a measure against political dynasties, which has been the “biggest block” to the country’s progress.

Farmers’ group AMIHAN National Federation of Peasant Women fully supports the Makabayan coalition, with leader Zen Soriano saying that the senatorial slate of Makabayan aims to challenge old names and families in “dynasty-ruled Philippine politics.”

Labor leaders Leody de Guzman and Luke Espiritu also filed their COCs for senator under the Partido ng Lakas ng Masa.

The two labor leaders share the same aim as the Makabayan bloc, stating that they also want to create an anti-political dynasty law. — Bella Cariaso, Mayen Jaymalin, Christine Boton, Sheila Crisostomo, Marc Jayson Cayabyab