Mark Villar says family businesses won't benefit from DPWH post

Las Piñas Rep. Mark Villar on Monday said he will not allow the businesses of his family to benefit from his position once he assumes the seat as secretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

Villar, who accepted the offer from incoming president Rodrigo Duterte last week, downplayed fears that his family, which is engaged in the real estate business, will have undue advantage because of the appointment.

"We cannot benefit from my position in any way, shape, or form. I will not allow it," Villar said in a television interview.

He said this may include not bidding for Public-Private Partnership (PPP) projects of the government, adding that his parents, former Senate President Manny Villar and Sen. Cynthia Villar, understand the consequences of him accepting the post.

"I don't see how that will be possible at this stage," he replied when asked about joining PPP biddings.

"To be fair, I think my parents are well aware of conflicts of interest. I don't think they will engage... Those fears are unfounded," he added.

Villar said he recognizes their companies still have the "right to do business" as publicly listed companies, and that existing contracts they have must be respected.

'Higher calling'

Villar denied that his parents asked Duterte to make the said appointment, though he said his father has personally known the incoming president from their days in Congress.

He also reiterated that he and his family will abide by laws set to "dispel" such conflicts. He disclosed that the incoming president has asked him to make "a map made of all the subdivisions to ensure transparency" and "end this criticism of us."

Villar said the appointment is a "higher calling" for them.

"The significance of this department over the next few years is great in terms of the growth of our country in the next few years. Doing good in the Department of Public Works will be critical for the growth of our country in the next six years if you want to become a developed nation, so there's a lot at stake. This job is a very high calling," he said.

'Ready to serve'

The Las Piñas representative said it's "logical" to appoint someone from a field related in the work of a certain department, adding that he is "ready" to take his experience both in real estate and politics in his work at the DPWH.

"I think youth can be an advantage. Along with youth comes a certain perspective, a different perspective, and there's a lot of idealism... I've been through the private sector, the political sector. Not a lot of people can say that they have encountered both... and for me, those are big advantages and these are things I hope to take to DPWH," he said.

"I feel that I'm ready to be of service. If I feel I can't do a good job, then I would not have taken the post," Villar added. — Rose-An Jessica Dioquino/KBK, GMA News