Sen. Cynthia Villar (Senate Public Relations and Information Bureau)

MANILA, Philippines — Outgoing Sen. Cynthia Villar has denied claims that she confronted Las Piñas Councilor Mark Anthony Santos, her rival for Las Piñas City’s lone congressional seat, in a church.

In an ambush interview on Tuesday, Villar said she was just “positioned next” to Santos. She, however, admitted to telling Santos early on not to come near her or even try to start a handshake.

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“Hindi ko sinugod, katabi ko eh. Kasi sila ang nagbabayad sa media ng paninira sa aming pamilya. Bakit pa niya ako lalapitan at kakamayan? Wag na niya akong batiin, sinabi ko sa kanya ‘yun. Wag mo na akong batiin kasi sinisiraan niyo naman ang pamilya namin,” Villar said.

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(I did not confront him, he was beside me. They were the ones paying the media to taint the name of our family. Why would he come near me and try to start a handshake? It would be better if he did not greet me, I told him that. I told him not to greet me because they were trying to tarnish our family’s reputation.)

Villar and Santos are gunning for Las Piñas City’s congressional seat in the 2025 polls.

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In the viral video, Villar was seen walking briefly toward Santos, but no part of their conversation was caught in the footage.

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Villar also downplayed the bashing she and her family received, saying that her clan has contributed much to the country.

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“I’d like to believe na ang laki ng performance ko kaya wala naman silang magagawa kundi gawin yun,” said Villar when she was asked what she can say about netizens bashing her on social media.

(I’d like to believe that my performance is big, so they have no choice but to do that.)

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READ: Cynthia Villar rejects dynasty tag: It was legacy of my father

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