In a scene straight out of a political family portrait, Senator-elect Camille Villar officially took her oath of office on Wednesday, 26 June, with her mother, outgoing Senator Cynthia Villar, administering the oath.
“Camille took her official oath of office as a senator at our family home in Las Piñas with her mom, Cynthia, administering the oath. The whole family is always here to support you. We’re proud of you, Camille!” former Senate President Manny Villar wrote in a Facebook post.
The elder Villar said the ceremony not only marked Camille’s formal assumption of her senatorial duties, but also reinforced the continuing influence of the Nacionalista Party which he chairs.
In her message, outgoing senator Cynthia Villar let her maternal pride shine through, offering encouragement wrapped in love as her daughter stepped into her new role.
“Camille, your papa and I, including our whole family, are proud of you,” she wrote. “As you begin this new chapter, we’re right behind you, cheering you on, praying for you, and believing in all that you are and all you’re meant to do.”
The oath-taking put Camille on course to serve in the 20th Congress when it convenes in July, where she will join her brother, Senator Mark Villar, to continue a rare family trifecta of political power.
While some incoming senators opted for formal ceremonies before Supreme Court justices or local officials, Camille chose a more intimate setting — an oath administered by her mother, witnessed by kin.
Camille is no stranger to public service. She’s currently the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives in the 19th Congress and is on her second term as the representative of Las Piñas’ lone district — a seat that’s practically become a family heirloom. It has been held by her father Manny, her mother and brother Mark.
Beyond politics, she wears several corporate hats. Camille is the president and CEO of AllValue, the Villar Group’s retail arm. She is also a director at Vista Land & Lifescapes, Starmalls and Golden Bria Holdings.
Before diving into politics and business, she made brief forays into television as a game show host.
Educated at Ateneo de Manila University with a degree in Business Management, Camille earned an MBA from the prestigious IESE Business School in Barcelona.
Her advocacies include expanding access to education and supporting small and medium enterprises as key strategies for reducing poverty.
Camille is married to Erwin Genuino and they have two children.
