Sen. Villar's letter to PCIJ on Awesome Dragon Holdings Limited

I reply to your letter dated March 25, 2013.

Villar urges senatoriables to support law against "No Permit, No Exam" policy

Sen. Manny Villar today said a law against the "No Permit, No Exam," policy should be enacted to prevent school administrators from implementing a regulation that goes against the right to education.

Villar sponsors committee report on safe toys

Sen. Manny Villar yesterday asked the Senate to approve the committee report on the bill mandating proper labeling of toys.

Kapampangans honor Manny Villar

Sen. Manny Villar received yesterday the Most Outstanding Kapampangan Award (MOKA) at Bren Guiao Convention Center in San Fernando, Pampanga.

Bicam approves amendments to IP Law

The bicameral conference committee today approved the reconciled version of the bill amending the Intellectual Property (IP) Code.

No undue price increase for more goods during calamities-- Villar

Sen. Manny Villar today said the expansion of the list of basic necessities under the law will ensure that more goods will be saved from price gouging during calamities.

Waray Country joins NP

Over a hundred local officials from Region 8 yesterday took their oath as members of the Nacionalista Party, the country's oldest political party.

Villar to open Villards Cup in Bulacan

Sixteen aspiring pool players from Bulacan will take a shot at joining the likes of Efren "Bata" Reyes, Francisco "Django" Bustamante and Dennis Orcollo as they compete in the Villards Cup, which resumes this Sunday (September 23) at Starmall in San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan.

Villar pushes Senate commendation for Orcollo's China Open win

Sen. Manny Villar lauded Dennis Orcollo, one of the country's top billiards players, for winning the 2012 China Open held in Shanghai recently.

Villar pushes approval of bill allowing the poor to start their own business

Sen. Manny Villar sponsored yesterday the committee report on the bill seeking to encourage microfinance institutions to provide access to credit and business opportunities to poor Filipinos.

Villar to lead launching of Laurel commemorative stamp, Wednesday at 5 pm

Sen. Manny Villar, Nacionalista Party president, will lead today, Wednesday, August 29, the ceremony launching the commemorative stamps in honor of the late Speaker Jose B. Laurel Jr.

More local leaders join Villar's NP

More local government leaders are joining the Nacionalista Party (NP) headed by Sen. Manny Villar.

Statement of Sen. Manny Villar on Dolphy

Kami pong buong pamilya ay nakikiramay sa pamilya Quizon sa pagpanaw ng ating nag-iisang Comedy King, Dolphy.

Villar swears in Trillanes as newest Nacionalista Party member

Sen. Manny Villar, Nacionalista Party (NP) President, today welcomed Sen. Antonio "Sonny" Trillanes IV to the NP family.

Villar wants Senate to look into hike in Philhealth fees for OFWs

Sen. Manny Villar today pushed for a Senate inquiry into the plan of the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (Philhealth) to increase the premium contribution of overseas Filipino workers by as much as 167 percent.

Villar joins nation in praying for Dolphy's recovery

Sen. Manny Villar today expressed sadness over the condition of actor Dolphy, dubbed as the country's King of Comedy.

Anti-trust bill will protect whistleblowers, says Villar

Sen. Manny Villar said the anti-trust bill, once enacted, will prove to be a potent law against unfair trade practices with the provision that will protect whistleblowers who will provide evidence against persons or firms engaging in anti-competitive practices.

Villar pushes passage of bill protecting consumers vs. cartel

Sen. Manny Villar today pushed for the passage of the bill that seeks to protect consumers against unfair trade practices. He said this bill will put an end to monopolies and cartels and make available quality goods and services at reasonable prices.

Villar: Sworn Statements of Assets and Liabilities, and Net Worth

Disclose of business and financial connections and Identification of relatives in the Government Service

Villar: Make job-hunting easier for new grads, waive government fees

Sen. Manny Villar has filed a bill in the Senate that will help fresh graduates look for a job without the additional burden of paying fees for documentary requirements.

Villar files bill removing VAT on medicine

Sen. Manny Villar today filed a bill that seeks to remove value-added tax on medicines.

Villar: Biggest election loss was my name – rappler.com

"If you can't even raise one billion pesos, why even run?"

Villar to hold hearing on effectiveness of cheaper medicines law Thursday, March 8

Sen. Manny Villar, chairman of the Committee on Trade and Commerce, will hold a public hearing on Thursday, March 8, to check the effectiveness of the law that was envisioned to make affordable essential medicines for the poor.

Villar Dedicates Memorial to Typhoon Sendong Victims

Senator Manny Villar and Cynthia Villar, Chairman and Managing Director respectively of Villar Foundation, led the dedication and groundbreaking ceremony of a memorial that will be built to honor the memory of those who died and went missing when tropical storm Sendong ravaged Cagayan De Oro on December 17 last year.

Villar finds 7% unemployment rate unbelievable

Sen. Manny Villar today said the 7 percent unemployment rate as reported by government is "unbelievable and unrealistic‟.

Crisis in Syria raises need for a department for OFWs, Villar says

Sen. Manny Villar today reiterated his proposal for the creation of a separate department for migrant Filipinos to adequately address the needs of overseas Filipino workers around the globe, especially during critical periods.

Villar pushes approval of bill supporting Filipinos’ creativity

Sen. Manny Villar today pushed for the approval of the bill that will support the creative industry in the country.

Villar: Protect Filipino artists, amend IP law

Sen. Manny Villar today said tightening the regulation to protect intellectual property rights will greatly work for the benefit of Filipinos who excel in various fields that rely on copyrighted protection.

Villar seeks stronger law to ensure only safe and quality fireworks proliferate the market

Sen. Manny Villar today said there is a need to improve existing laws that will protect consumers against the dangers of fireworks and pyrotechnics such as fire, injury and loss of lives especially during the Christmas season.

Villar Foundation, GoNegosyo launch first OFW & Family Summit

The launch of 'The 1st OFW & Family Summit 2011: Kabuhayan Para sa Kinabukasan', which will be a yearly event of the Villar Foundation and GoNegosyo, was very well attended by overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families.

Influx of toxic and unsafe toys alarms Villar

With the public starting to flock the market for the Christmas season shopping, Sen. Manny Villar said there should be an intensified effort to stop the influx of unsafe and toxic toys in the market.

Villar eyes harsh penalties vs opportunistic price increases in disaster areas

Sen. Manny Villar pushed for a law that will penalize businessmen taking advantage of disaster-stricken customers by jacking up prices of essential goods.

Leniency in business name registration pressed

Championing the lot of upstart business owners and small entrepreneurs, Sen. Manny Villar yesterday asked the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to be lenient in canceling the business name registration of new establishments failing to operate within six months.

OFW remains arrive from Kuwait

The remains of an overseas Filipino worker who died after falling from a building in Kuwait were repatriated today.

Villar seeks DFA explanation on OFW's missing body parts

Senator Manny Villar called on the Department of Foreign Affairs to explain why the repatriated remains of OFW murder victim Romilyn Ibanez with missing body parts.

Villar says government's plan to hike fees ill-timed

Sen. Manny Villar today urged government to rethink the plan to raise fees saying this is illtimed in the face of continuous price increases.

Villar Foundation brings medical and feeding program to Tondo

About 600 families from Balut, Tondo were beneficiaries of the medical mission and feeding activity initiated by the Villar Foundation.

Villar asks DFA, DOLE to ensure safety of OFWs in Syria

Sen. Manny Villar assured the families of overseas Filipino workers caught in the middle of escalating political tension in Syria that he will continue to push authorities to ensure the safety of their kins.

Villar lauds officials' action to help get justice for OFW's death

The Philippine Embassy in Kuwait has assured Sen. Manny Villar that they are doing everything to ensure that justice will be served in the case of an overseas Filipino worker found dead after falling from the 8th floor of a residential building in Fintas.

Villar cautions gov't against increasing fees

Sen. Manny Villar cautions government against implementing the plan to raise fees imposed by agencies as part of efforts to contain the budget deficit.

Villar seeks investigation on OFW's mysterious death

Sen. Manny Villar has asked the foreign affairs department to push for an investigation to ascertain the true cause of the death of an overseas Filipino worker in Kuwait.

Villar moves to establish a creative industry body to boost employment opportunities

Sen. Manny Villar filed a bill that will take advantage of the natural creativity of Filipinos and create more employment opportunities for the people.

Villar: "Time to rethink status quo on CSR"

Senator Manny Villar, the guest of honor and award presenter at the Global CSR Summit & Global CSR Awards 2011, discussed the salient points Senate Bill No. 1239 or Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Bill in his speech during a luncheon conference.

Villar: Guest of Honor & Award Presenter at the Global CSR Summit 2011 in Cebu

Senator Manny Villar will be the guest of honor and award presenter at the Global CSR Summit & Global CSR Awards 2011 that will be held in Cebu City on August 11 to 12, 2011.

Harvard study claims expired drugs are still potent
Villar urges health experts to conduct similar study on expired drugs

Saying this could bring huge savings for the government; Sen. Manny Villar urged health officials and experts in the country to conduct a study that will prove whether or not drugs can still be used even after their expiration date.

Villar urges DOLE, OWWA to act swiftly on complaints of OFWs vs abusive welfare officer in Jordan

Senator Manny Villar urged the Department of Labor and Employment and Overseas Workers' Welfare Administration to act swiftly on the complaints of five overseas Filipino workers against a welfare officer based in Ammam, Jordan who wanted to force them to go back to work despite having escaped from abusive employers.

Villar warns massive trading of 'tuko' will allow dengue mosquitoes to thrive

Sen. Manny Villar today expressed apprehension over the hunting of geckos, which he said will allow dengue virus-carrying mosquitoes to multiply, hurting the government campaign to control the fatal disease.

Villar to push for pet bill during CSR Expo

Sen. Manny Villar will present before the gathering of the country's largest corporations tomorrow the bill that will institutionalize corporate social responsibility (CSR) among wealthy corporations.

Villar files bill granting special leave for OFW spouses

Sen. Manny Villar filed a bill that will grant special leave credits to spouses of overseas Filipino workers.

Villar files bill granting victims of calamities tax reprieve

Sen. Manny Villar has filed a bill that seeks to give tax deduction to victims of natural calamities.

Villar files report on bill providing greater protection of intellectual property rights

Sen. Manny Villar, chairman of the Committee on Trade and Commerce, announced that the bill strengthening the protection of intellectual property rights has passed committee level and that the committee report is ready for sponsorship.

Villar asks Insurance Commission for lack of information about mandatory insurance for OFWs

Sen. Manny Villar chided the Insurance Commission for its failure to embark on a public information campaign about the mandatory insurance coverage for overseas Filipino workers, many of whom do not understand the benefits accruing from it.

Villar wants 6-hour work day for teachers

Sen. Manny Villar proposed to reduce the working hours of all public school teachers to a six-hour workday or a total of a 30-hour workweek.

Villar Foundation Launches New Initiatives to Intensify Fight Against Poverty

The Villar Foundation has launched two projects as part of its commitment to empower the poor and the underprivileged to enable them to become productive members of society.

Villar seeks POEA crackdown VS "passport hostage-takers"

Senator Manny Villar called on the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) to crack down on licensed recruitment agencies that demand money in exchange for the retrieval of passports and other documents by job applicants.

Villar on Gutierrez's resignation:

"Gutierrez's act is expected. This will do the country good, saving time and resources on the part of the Senate. Now, we should move forward and continue working to find ways to help the country in the face of the rising cost of petroleum products and basic commodities. Kung may pananagutan si Gutierrez sa batas, nariyan ang ating hukuman para magpasya dito."

Villar files bill granting tax incentive to parents of children with special needs

Sen. Manny Villar proposed a law that will reduce the tax being paid by parents and guardians of children with special needs.

Villar wants OFW voice in new crisis team

Sen. Manny Villar today said the newly created crisis team for overseas Filipino workers should also include consultation with the OFW sector to make sure all bases are covered in the quest to handle situations affecting Filipinos abroad more effectively.

VILLAR, 'TO THE RESCUE' SA MGA INABUSONG OFW SA DUBAI 15 OFW, pinauwi sa bansa 

Muling makakapiling ng 15 Overseas Filipino Workers ang kanilang pamilya at mga mahal sa buhay sa Pilipinas matapos dumanas ng pang-aabuso at pagdurusa sa bansang Dubai.

Villar holds dialogue with OFW groups in Dubai

As the government turns its focus on repatriating beleaguered OFWs in troubled spots in the Middle East and North Africa, Sen. Manny Villar will personally look into the plight of OFWs in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), especially those who have experienced abuse from their employers.

MGA INABUSONG OFW SA DUBAI, BIBISITAHIN NI VILLAR mga problema at pangangailangan, aalamin upang madamayan

Personal na kukumustahin at aalamin ni Senator Manny Villar ang kalagayan ng mga Overseas Filipino Workers na naghahanapbuhay sa Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Villar’s OFW Helpline offers free overseas calls to families of OFWs caught in strife, tragedies abroad

Relatives who are worried about their loved ones abroad, particularly those in troubled areas around the world, can be reunited on air through the “Libreng Tawag” project of the OFW Helpline of Sen. Manny Villar.

Villar calls on DTI, DOLE to formulate joint contingency plans for companies and workers affected by Japan crisis

Sen. Manny Villar called on the Department of Trade and Industry and Department of Labor and Employment to come up with a joint contingency plan to help companies and employees that would be affected by the slowdown in Japan trade and investments for the coming months.

Villar: SC ruling on C5 complaint a vindication

Sen. Manny Villar today said he felt vindicated with the Supreme Court decision stating that the Ethics committee did not comply with due process when it referred the complaint involving the C5 Road project to the Committee of the Whole.

Villar sponsors committee report making CSR mandatory for large corporations

Sen. Manny Villar, chairman of the Senate Committee on Trade and Commerce, reported today the committee’s recommendation on the bill institutionalizing corporate social responsibility (CSR) among wealthy corporations.

Villar sponsors committee report on bill imposing tougher penalties vs botcha

Sen. Manny Villar sponsored today the report of the Committee on Trade and Commerce on the proposed legislation seeking tougher penalties for offenders selling and transporting botcha.

Villar bats for restoration of DFA budget cuts in 2012; seeks augmentation teams to help Pinoys in Japan

Senator Manny Villar stressed the need to restore an estimated 46% budget cuts to the Department of Foreign Affairs in the formulation of its budget for 2012 and to allocate even more funds to hire additional personnel to assist overseas Filipino workers in Japan and the Middle East.

Villar says public must be assured of fair pricing Oil sector reform agenda amid skyrocketing fuel prices pushed

Sen. Manny Villar yesterday said the government should push for a comprehensive oil sector reform agenda amid frequent oil price hikes, starting with a revisit of the Oil Deregulation Law.

Countless OFWs also need help, says Villar

In the middle of efforts to evacuate Filipinos from unrest in Libya, Sen. Manny Villar today reminded government that countless others in different parts of the world are in need of help, including overseas Filipino workers in Saudi Arabia.

Villar eyes strategy to address social, economic concerns of repatriated OFWs

Sen. Manny Villar today urged the government to devise a comprehensive strategy to address the concerns of repatriated overseas Filipino workers from restive states in the Middle East and North Africa.

Saudi bridge dwellers get assistance from Villar's Sagip OFW

Eighteen overseas Filipino workers with four children today visited Sen. Manny Villar to personally thank him for the assistance provided by the help desk he set up for distressed OFWs.

Middle East unrest to impact adversely on PH economy – Villar

The government should start stitching up economic safety nets for the thousands of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the Middle East who will be forcibly repatriated as the regional conflagration escalates, Sen. Manny Villar said yesterday.

Sen. Villar urges the DFA to issue travel advisories to Libya and Bahrain

Senator Manny Villar urged the Department of Foreign Affairs to issue travel advisories to caution Filipinos against travelling to Bahrain and Libya at this time given rising political tensions in the two countries.

Villar pushes enactment of Bicycle Law

Sen. Manny Villar is pushing for the passage of a law which will promote bicycles as an alternative mode of transportation in the face of the increasing price of fuel and fares.

Villar: fare increase sa LRT at MRT, isantabi muna

Umapela si Sen. Manny Villar sa administrasyong Aquino na isantabi muna ang inaprobahang umento sa pasahe sa Light Rail Transit (LRT) at Metro Rail Transit (MRT) habang wala pang ginagawang hakbang ang gobyerno para matulungan ang apektadong mananakay.

Villar calls for intensified campaign vs botcha

Sen. Manny Villar today called on government to intensify its efforts to inform the public about botcha or double dead meat and its harmful effects on people.

Villar holds series of forum on Antitrust law

Sen. Manny Villar today hosted the second installment of a series of discussion to better understand the anti-trust law now being studied by the Committee on Trade and Commerce.

Villar to hold hearing on Corporate Social Responsibility Act Wednesday

Sen. Manny Villar will hold a committee hearing on the bill that will institutionalize corporate social responsibility of all foreign and domestic corporations performing business in the country on Feb. 2.

From squatter to homeowner, Villar Donates Home Units

Three contestants, one an informal settler,  became instant homeowners during last week’s episode of television show  “Willing-Willie” courtesy of Sen. Manny Villar who was special guest during the birthday celebration of TV comedian-host Willie Revillame. 

Villar: Seniors, PWDs, gov't employees should also get LRT-MRT fare discount

Sen. Manny Villar today urged the Department of Transportation and Communications to study a scheme that would give discounts to senior citizens, persons with disabilities and government employees riding the LRT and MRT trains. He said this should be on top of the student discount proposed by fellow Senator Ralph Recto.

Villar goes back to his alma mater in Tondo

Senator Manny Villar took time out from his busy schedule to spend a day with Tondo residents on Saturday (Dec. 11). He led the medical mission and feeding activities of Villar Foundation at Holy Child Catholic School, which is where the senator attended elementary education.

5th parol festival ushers the christmas season in las piñas city

Christmas is indeed in the air in Las Piñas City as local government officials and constituents celebrated their annual Parol (Christmas lantern) Festival on Friday showcasing the creativity and artistry of its parol makers.

Pass law to stop identity theft, Villar says

Senator Manny Villar today pushed for the immediate enactment of a law that will address the growing concern over identity theft in the country. “Identity theft has become a serious concern, especially now that our society is becoming more and more dependent on online transactions,” Villar said.

Flooding in Cagayan, Isabela Villar calls for a stop in illegal activities destroying the Sierra Madre

Sen. Manny Villar appealed to put a stop in all illegal activities which continue to destroy the Sierra Madre Mountain Range causing landslides and flash floods in its surrounding areas. “We are seeing in our midst the effects of the continued destruction of the Sierra Madre. The flooding and landslides in Cagayan and Isabela tells us that if we do not act now to stop this, devastation of greater proportion is coming,” Villar said.

Villar's dream: From kasambahays to hotel housekeepers, through skills training

Senator Manny Villar and the Blas F. Ople Policy Center and Training Institute launched yesterday a vocational skills scholarship program for victims of human trafficking and illegal recruitment in cooperation with the Asian School of Hospitality Arts, a TESDA-accredited learning institution. The program was launched at The Coffee Beanery in Quezon City where 20 trafficked and illegal recruitment victims were treated to a demonstration by a master barista while another trainor presented the school’s curriculum on housekeeping. ASHA’s president and CEO Badjie Guerrero-Trinidad welcomed the scholars and gave them a tour of the facilities.

Villar calls for crackdown on syndicates using Filipinos as drug mules

Sen. Manny Villar called for immediate government action against drug syndicates that lure Filipinos to work as drug mules. “It is unfortunate that the Philippines is fast gaining a negative reputation with the spike of arrests of Filipino nationals who were used as drug couriers. A number of cases revealed that they didn't know they were carrying illegal substances,” Villar said.

Villar's committee to hear legislation on the use of environment-friendly bags

The Senate Committee on Trade and Industry chaired by Sen. Manny Villar will hold a public hearing on bills filed in the Chamber regulating the use of plastic bags and mandating the use of recyclable and environment friendly bags in lieu of plastic bags by shopping malls and retailers on Monday, Sept. 27. Lodged with the committee are Senate Bill Nos. 1103 and 1543, authored by Villar and Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago, respectively.

Villar wants a check on RP posts' assistance for OFWs

In light of the death of the overseas Filipino worker in Saudi due to acid burns, Sen. Manny Villar today pushed for a Senate inquiry on the procedures followed by the diplomatic posts and the Philippine Overseas Labor Offices (POLO) in providing assistance to OFWs in distress. Villar filed Proposed Senate Resolution No. 190, which urges the Committees on Labor, Employment and Human Resources Development and Foreign Relations to look into the performance of POLO, as the satellite office of the Department of Labor and Employment, in attending to the problems of Filipino workers abroad.

Villar wants protection for lemon car buyers

Sen. Manny Villar sought the protection of buyers of brand new and second-hand vehicles which are found to be defective and fail to meet standards of safety and performance. “Owning at least one automobile has become a necessity in the present times and there is a growing need to protect buyer of cars from the fraudulent schemes of lemon motor vehicle dealers,” Villar said.

Villar committees list priority legislation

Sen. Manny Villar today outlined the priority legislations which will be tackled by the two Senate committees under his helm when hearings start tomorrow, Wednesday. The Senate Committees on Economic Affairs and on Trade and Commerce will commence its hearings with a consultative meeting on August 25 at 1pm and 2 pm, respectively.

Pass law to stop identity theft, Villar says

Senator Manny Villar today pushed for the immediate enactment of a law that will address the growing concern over identity theft in the country. “Identity theft has become a serious concern, especially now that our society is becoming more and more dependent on online transactions,” Villar said.