Camille Villar fulfills childhood dream to follow in her father's footsteps

Senator-elect Camille Villar turned emotional on Saturday during her proclamation as she thanked her parents, particularly her father, former senator Manny Villar.

"Papa, I told you when I was younger that it was my dream to be like you and to serve and to help as many people as I could," Villar said during her speech.

"Thank you for helping me achieve my dreams and making my dreams come true," she added.

The older Villar previously served as senator from 2001 to 2013 and as the 20th Senate President from 2006 to 2008.

As the senator-elect thanked her supporters, she vowed to "work twice as hard and twice as firm."

"I'm overwhelmed by this moment because this journey hasn't been easy and my heart is simply filled with love and gratitude," Villar added.

Villar has served as Las Piñas representative since 2019 and as Deputy Speaker since 2022.

Open to possible Senate probe on PrimeWater

Senator-elect Camille Villar said she is open to a Senate probe into the services of the family-owned PrimeWater Infrastructure Corp. amid multiple complaints over reported service disruptions in various parts of the country.

"As I have said prior to elections, kung yan ang gusto ng mayorya ng tao ay wini-welcome natin yan (if that's what the majority wants, we welcome it)," Villar told reporters in an ambush interview after her proclamation at The Manila Hotel Tent City on Saturday.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ordered an investigation into the operations of PrimeWater Infrastructure Corp. due to numerous service-related complaints.

The Bayan Muna Party-list has filed a formal complaint before Malacañang, calling for the cancellation of all joint venture agreements between the private utility firm and local water districts around the country, citing widespread service failures and legal violations.

Congress was also urged to look into PrimeWater's frequent water interruptions in various areas, including San Jose del Monte in Bulacan, Bacolod City in Negros Occidental, and the provinces of Quezon, Cavite, and Bukidnon.

During her proclamation as senator, she was accompanied by her family, including her father, former Senate President Manny Villar.

The younger Villar is set to join her older brother, Mark Villar, in the Senate. Mark is an incumbent senator until 2028.