LOOK: President Duterte graces the birthday celebration of businessman and former Senate President Manny Villar and the inauguration of the Tent at Vista Global South in Las Piñas on Thursday evening. (📸Sen. Go) @inquirerdotnet pic.twitter.com/5q9ydftu0J
— Darryl John Esguerra (@drrylesguerra) December 13, 2019
Duterte likewise attended the inauguration of the Tent at Vista Global South in Las Piñas City, the Villars’ bailiwick.
The President has been cordial with the Villar family, even saying that he would support its patriarch if he seeks the presidency once again.
Last week, Duterte slammed Maynilad and Manila Water Co. Inc. over their “onerous” 1997 contract with the government.
After threatening to sue them for economic sabotage, the President endorsed Villar-owned water firm as a possible replacement should the two largest water firms in the Philippines fail to settle the issue with the government.
“We start from the beginning. Nandiyan naman si Villar, nandiyan naman si — karaming mayayaman ninyo na (The Villars are there, there are many of you rich people)…go and start to develop businesses,” said Duterte in a speech on Tuesday, Dec. 3.
The Villar family owns Prime Water Infrastructure Corporation which has taken over a string of local water utilities in provinces and cities.
