MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino attended mass yesterday to celebrate the 65th birthday of former senator Manuel Villar Jr.
The President arrived at around 9 a.m. at the Sanctuario de San Ezekiel in Las Piñas City. Public Works Secretary Rogelio Singson accompanied him.
In his message, the President praised the former senator for his humility and sportsmanship after losing the presidential race in 2010. Villar conceded immediately after realizing his defeat, the President noted.
He said Villar also offered to help the Aquino administration after the election.
After the Mass, Villar’s wife, Sen. Cynthia Villar, announced that the former senator is donating his retirement pay to a project in Balanga, Bataan. The former senator’s family is from Orani, Bataan.
Mrs. Villar ran under the administration ticket in the 2013 senatorial election.