Duterte’s endorsement of Villar-led water firm due to Manny’s hardwork — Cynthia

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte’s endorsement of the Villars’ water utility firm PrimeWater Infrastructure Corp. could be because it came from Manny Villar’s hard work, Senator Cynthia Villar said Tuesday.

The senator pointed out her husband did not inherit the business, unlike water concessionaires Manila Water and Maynilad.

“Kasi siya, si Manny, kasama niya yan before when he was congressman. Siguro nakita niya yung lifestyle ni Manny,” Villar said in an interview, when sought for comment on the President’s statement.

(Because Manny, he was with him when he was a congressman. Maybe he saw Manny’s lifestyle.)

“Saka remember, si Manny, hindi niya minana yung kanyang kabuhayan. Kanyang pinundar yon on his own. Sinasabi niya na siya, pinaghirapan niya yung kanyang kabuhayan,” she added.

(Remember, Manny did not inherit his business. He saved up for it on his own. He is saying that he worked hard for his business.)

Duterte earlier lauded the Villars, and hinted their possible takeover of the capital region’s water supply system.

Villar then pointed out that Manila Water was an inherited business while owners of Pangilinan and Consunji-led Maynilad came from a wealthy family.

“Whereas yung Manila Water, minana yan diba? Ilang generation na sila? Yung Pangilinan, galing yan sa Indonesia. Mayaman rin sila doon,” Villar said.

(Whereas the Manila Water was inherited right? How many generation are they? The Pangilinan one, they came from Indonesia. They are also wealthy there.)

“Maybe it’s the meaning nga. Siya kasi, yung kanyang kabuhayan, pinaghirapan niya yun. Yung iba, minana,” she further said.

(Maybe it’s due to the meaning. Because Manny worked hard for his business while the others inherited theirs.)