Senator Cynthia Villar has come under fire following a viral video showing her allegedly using land ownership as leverage for votes in the upcoming 2025 elections. The speech, which has circulated widely on social media, has sparked outrage among netizens who accuse the senator of veiled threats against Las Piñas residents.
In the video, Villar is heard stating, “Malalaman naman namin sa election kung tatanawin ninyo na utang na loob ang pagbibigay namin ng lupa sa inyo. Sana ipakita niyo sa amin na kami ay susuportahan niyo sa darating na 2025 election. Kasi pag hindi niyo ipakita sa amin, baka magbago ang isip namin sa pagbibigay ng lupa.”
This statement, suggesting that the distribution of land may hinge on election results, has raised concerns about ethical campaigning. Villar further claimed that the land in question is owned by her family, asserting that they have the final decision regarding its distribution after the elections.
The remarks have ignited widespread criticism on social media, with netizens accusing the senator of coercion and exploiting her family’s wealth for political gain. Many pointed to the Villar family’s prominence in real estate development, notably through their Camella Subdivision projects, as evidence of their influence over land use and ownership.
Some critics have also linked the controversy to the early campaign activities of Villar’s daughter, Camille Villar. Camille, a Las Piñas congresswoman, has been increasingly visible in TV advertisements and roadside posters, fueling speculation about her ambitions for a national government position.
Social media users expressed their disapproval, with one commenter stating, “Hindi pwedeng gawing pang-blackmail ang lupa para sa boto. Dapat patas ang eleksyon!” Others called for authorities, including the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), to investigate potential violations of election laws.
This is not the first time the Villar family has faced scrutiny over their political and business dealings. As billionaires with deep ties to land development, they have often been at the center of controversies regarding land ownership and usage.
Ginagawang pain ni Cynthia Villar yung lupa na hndi nya pa binibigay.
— HAPPY PEPE (@succubus_20) December 25, 2024
Isipin mo yun hindi mo pa nga binibigay naniningil ka na agad ng boto at utang na loob pic.twitter.com/d3RujscVdN
As the 2025 elections approach, the viral video has added to the heated discussions surrounding early campaigning and the ethical conduct of politicians. The senator has yet to issue a formal statement addressing the backlash but calls for accountability continue to grow.
Attention Comelec… Commisioner Garcia what can you say about this? hmmmm…