Manila—Representative Camille Villar of Las Piñas and Makati City Mayor Abby Binay have officially entered the race for the Philippine Senate, both filing their certificates of candidacy at The Manila Hotel Tent City on Friday.
According to Philippines News Agency, the political landscape saw the convergence of two prominent political families as Villar and Binay made their intentions clear during the fourth day of the candidacy filing period. Villar, representing the lone district of Las Piñas, was joined by her father, former Senate President Manuel Villar, and her brother, current Senator Mark Villar. She emphasized her unique position as the only millennial candidate, stating, “As the only millennial candidate, a Filipino youth, I can contribute towards a new politics in our country. My values are rooted in the Filipino principles of sipag (hard work) and tiyaga (perseverance), which I learned from my parents. Combined with my decades of experience in business and two terms in public service, I believe I can offer fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to help build a brighter future for our generation and those to come.”
Camille Villar vowed to focus on housing, education, and the empowerment of women and youth. If elected, she would become the fourth member of the Villar clan to serve as a senator, following her mother, outgoing Senator Cynthia Villar.
On the other hand, Abby Binay, who has served as the mayor of Makati and is the second daughter of former Vice President Jejomar Binay, highlighted her extensive experience in governance. She outlined her commitment to enhancing social programs, particularly in health and education, and to amending outdated provisions in the local government code.
Discussing her decision to run for the Senate instead of pursuing a mayoral bid in Taguig City, Abby Binay revealed, “Taguig was really an option because a lot of people wanted me to run in Taguig. Pero mahirap kasi dahil hindi ako nakaupo. Makakalaban ko incumbent (It’s difficult because I am not the sitting official. My opponent is the incumbent), she has the machinery, employees in the City Hall that will eventually rally for her. Mas mahirap ang laban (The fight is tougher) although I do have the solid support ng (of the) residents of Embo barangays,” she said, referring to her complex political challenges with Taguig City Mayor Lani Cayetano over the jurisdiction of the Embo barangays, a conflict rooted in a 2022 Supreme Court decision transferring them from Makati to Taguig.
The upcoming elections also pose a unique family dynamic as Abby’s sister, outgoing Senator Nancy Binay, and Abby’s husband, incumbent Makati Rep. Luis Campos, will compete against each other for the Makati mayoral post.