By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA, Philippines — Former senator and businessman Manuel “Manny” Villar Jr. has invoked due process after the Office of the Ombudsman filed criminal and administrative complaints against him, members of his family and officials of PrimeWater Infrastructure Corp. over their joint venture agreements with local water districts.
Villar said the family learned about the complaints through media reports but had yet to receive copies of the cases and the evidence supporting them.
“We respect the legal process and will respond to the complaints at the appropriate time and in the proper forum,” Villar said in a statement.
He said the family could not meaningfully address the specific allegations without first examining the complaints and their supporting evidence.
Villar expressed confidence that the family would be able to defend its rights once allowed to review the allegations and documents.
“We are confident that, once allowed to examine the allegations and the evidence supporting them, we will be able to fully and properly defend our rights and address the matters raised against us,” he said.
Villar also urged against concluding that the parties involved have been allowed to respond.
He said the parties should be allowed to present their side and address the allegations through the proper legal process.
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