DS Villar files candidacy for senator, advocates for progressive change
DEPUTY Speaker and Las Piñas City Rep. Camille Villar on Friday officially filed her Certificate of Candidacy (CoC) for senator, marking a significant step in her political career.
As the only millennial candidate in the race, Villar highlighted her commitment to bringing new politics to the country, emphasizing her unique background and fresh ideas.
“Why am I running for Senator?” Villar said. “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.”
Villar outlined her key platforms aimed at promoting economic growth, educational advancement, housing, and women and youth empowerment.
On economic opportunities, she emphasized her goal of creating not just jobs, but progressive employment that uplifts lives. “Makabagong Kabuhayan: Hindi lamang makapagbigay ng trabaho kundi trabahong progresibo na makaaangat sa pamumuhay,” she explained. Villar vowed to support businesses, particularly online sellers and small enterprises, by providing them with the necessary platforms, funding, and opportunities to thrive.
For education, she stressed the importance of shaping the future of the youth. “Makabagong suporta sa edukasyon: Ito ang unang hakbang para sa kabataan upang ihubog ang kanilang kinabukasan. Hindi lamang scholarship kundi oportunidad makakuha ng magandang trabaho ang isusulong ko,” Villar said, quoting APJ Abdul Kalam’s belief that “The youth need to be enabled to be job generators and not just job seekers.”
On housing, Villar echoed her long-standing advocacy for decent living conditions. “Makabagong buhay sa pabahay: Ang paniniwala ko po ay ‘Kapag may maayos na bahay, nababago ang buhay,’” she said, committing to a housing program that ensures Filipinos have access to decent homes.
She also underscored her dedication to empowering women and the youth: “Makabagong Lakas o empowerment sa ating mga kababaihan at kabataan: ipaglalaban at isusulong ko ang karapatan ng mga kabataan at kababaihan sa Senado.”
Villar proudly shared how her parents shaped her values and inspired her to lead with compassion and integrity. “Ako po ay isang Villar. Minana ko sa aking mga magulang ang pagmamahal sa mahirap… Namana ko sa Papa ko ang maging malapitin sa tao, maging matulungin sa kapwa. Minana ko sa Mom ko ang pagiging malakas at galing sa pagtratrabaho,” she stated.
In closing, Villar urged the electorate to embrace the fresh perspectives her generation can offer. “Panahon ng magka senador na mula sa aking henerasyon dahil sa napaka daming pagbabagong nangyayari ngayon sa bayan at sa mundo. Makinig sa bagong pananaw, buksan ang pag-iisip, at sabay sabay tayong humarap sa bagong bukas.”
“I am Camille Villar. A new voice in politics, for a brighter future for our nation,” Villar said.
