MANILA, Philippines – Senators Mark and Camille Villar, whose family is involved in the real estate business, have denied allegations that they caused delays in the continuation of the Light Rail Transit-1 (LRT-1) Cavite Extension project.

“I deny any allegation that I intervened, influenced, or obstructed the alignment or implementation of the LRT-1 Extension Project. I have not had any participation in any discussion, deliberation, or meeting relating to the LRT-1 extension project, either in my personal capacity or as a Senator,” Camille said in a statement on Wednesday, June 17.

Mark also denied the allegations saying his “track record speaks for itself.”

Ombudsman Boying Remulla earlier said authorities are looking into claims that the Villar siblings had pushed back against the construction of the Niog Station in Bacoor, Cavite, which is targeted for completion in 2027.

“They want it to pass through their land because there’s already an alignment there in Sucat. That’s where they stopped it…they want to elevate it to C-5, where they have land,” Remulla had said in his weekly radio program.

“The mass transit authority is a big question because even in the Senate, you already have two votes that will go against you. They don’t want it. They are also the ones against the Land Use Act. That’s what everyone in the Senate knows — the Villars…. I hope it’s not true, but we are investigating,” Remulla added.

The land use bill languished in the Senate when the Villar matriarch, Cynthia Villar, chaired the Senate committee on environment, natural resources, and climate change.

The Villars’ company, Villar Land Holdings Corporation, faces a criminal complaint over alleged market manipulation, insider trading, and misleading disclosures.

– Rappler.com