Senator Cynthia Villar made it clear on Wednesday that she has no aspirations to become Speaker of the House should she win as the representative of Las Piñas City in Eleksyon 2025.
“I just want to live a simple and productive life. Wala na ako masyadong ambisyon (I no longer have much ambition),” Villar stated at the Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum when asked if she was ready to become the second female House Speaker after Pampanga Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
Villar noted that Arroyo held the presidency before becoming House Speaker, a distinction that sets their political trajectories apart.
On Political Dynasties: ‘What Matters is Good Service’
The senator also addressed concerns about her family’s growing political influence. With her daughter, Las Piñas Rep. Camille Villar, running for the Senate alongside her brother, Senator Mark Villar, and Cynthia herself vying to replace Camille in Congress, critics have pointed to the Villars as a political dynasty.
Villar dismissed the controversy, asserting that dynasties are only problematic if they do not serve the people well.
“There’s nothing wrong with a dynasty that truly serves the people. What’s bad is a dynasty that fools them. If a family is hardworking, honest, and does the job well, then what’s the issue?” she argued.
She also emphasized that political positions are elective, not appointive.
“If people don’t want you, they won’t vote for you. If they do and you win, that’s their choice. The real issue is whether or not you can do the job well,” she added.
Backing Her Children’s Qualifications
Villar defended her children’s capabilities, citing Mark Villar’s successful tenure as DPWH Secretary despite not being an engineer. She also highlighted Camille’s business degree from Ateneo de Manila University and a master’s degree from IESE Business School in Europe, saying these credentials would help in the country’s agricultural development.
“I think my daughter will do a good job. Just give her a chance… She can encourage young people to be better leaders,” Villar said.
As the 2025 elections approach, the Villars remain a dominant political force, with Cynthia seeking a new role in the House and her children aiming to solidify their positions in national politics.