Jamby, Villar family now in good terms

MANILA, Philippines - In May 2010, then senator Jamby Madrigal openly declared her disgust over the P200-million alleged insertion by Sen. Manny Villar in the controversial C-5 road project. But that’s all in the past.

In a campaign sortie of Team PNoy and local officials in Las Piñas City late Saturday night, Madrigal was on stage with the Villar camp, apparently letting bygones be bygones. Madrigal seeks to return to the Senate on the same ticket as Villar’s wife Cynthia, a former congresswoman.

Madrigal and outgoing Sen. Panfilo Lacson had exposed in the past Congress the alleged anomaly involving Villar, with Team PNoy stalwart Sen. Franklin Drilon providing details.

“What we debated on was based on issues and nothing personal,” Madrigal told reporters after she dined with the Villar family, with Las Piñas Rep. Mark Villar seated beside her.

“I told Ms. (Cynthia) Villar when I was still a senator we were allies then, in particular on the UP bill where a provision in its charter would allow selling vast tracts of its property. We succeeded in the bicameral conference committee,” Madrigal said.

“The land where UP sits should never be sold. That’s what we stood for. And I am happy and honored to be welcomed here and that not just me but the entire Team PNoy is welcome here in Las Piñas,” she added.

The Villar couple and their son, Drilon, Madrigal and Team PNoy senatorial candidates Senators Koko Pimentel and Antonio Trillanes IV, Aurora Rep. Sonny Angara, and former senator Ramon Magsaysay Jr. shared one table during dinner after the rally. Drilon was seated beside Villar.

The STAR tried to get the side of Senator Villar. But the lawmaker only smiled as he was about to leave. But guests saw Villar and Madrigal buss each other.

Madrigal also received a warm welcome from at least 5,000 Las Piñas City residents during a campaign rally in BF Homes, where Team PNoy tried to seek support and votes for the May 13 polls.