After 33 years, Villars lose grip on Las Piñas district

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Las Piñas City Councilor Mark Anthony Santos' victory breaks the Villars' decades-long hold over the position

MANILA, Philippines – Las Piñas City Councilor Mark Anthony Santos won the congressional seat and defeated Senator Cynthia Villar in the race, breaking the Villars’ decades-long hold on the position.

The Las Piñas City Board of Canvassers proclaimed Santos the winner early Tuesday morning, May 13, with 109,220 votes.

Santos’ win marks the first time a Villar will not be occupying Las Piñas’ congressional seat since patriarch Manny Villar first held the post in 1992.

During the campaign, Santos promised social housing, students’ allowance, and expansion of the free hospitalization program, among others. He said he wants to pass a bill that would add another Las Piñas House seat.

Santos had the support of incumbent Las Piñas Mayor Imelda Aguilar during the campaign period. His candidacy against the Villar matriarch showed the rift between two related political families, the Villars and Aguilars.

Imelda is Cynthia’s sister-in-law.

Both clans had historically split electoral positions, with the Aguilars taking the mayoralty while the Villars got the congressional post. – with reports from Angela Ballerda/Rappler.com