MARK A.VILLAR
20th Congress
(Member, 26 August 2025 - Present)
Embedded Files
OCT
01
2025
Seconding speech for SHARON SERAG GARIN for the confirmation of her ad interim appointment as Secretary Department of Energy (DoE)
Plenary Session No. 04, First Regular Session
Mr. Chair, I rise to manifest my seconding motion to our Chairperson Senator Jinggoy Estrada on his recommendation for the confirmation of the ad interim appointment of Secretary Sharon Garin.
I have worked closely with Secretary Garin in various endeavors for a long time now, and I can attest to her work ethic and dedication to public service. In fact, we were batchmates in the House of Representatives where I witnessed her relentless drive to champion legislation and programs for the betterment of the Filipino people.
Secretary Garin has a well-decorated professional background that provides us a glimpse of the quality of work she has achieved thus far and the endless possibilities she could offer as the Secretary of Energy.
She served as a Corporate and Tax Lawyer and an International Tax Consultant before entering the public service in 2010 as the Representative of the Ang Asosasyon Sang Mangunguma Nga Bisaya-Owa Mangunguma, Inc. or the AAMBIS-Owa Partylist. Secretary Garin served as the partylist's representative for four consecutive terms, during which she held significant positions in the lower house. She was the first party-list representative elected as Deputy Speaker and the first female Deputy Speaker from the Province of Iloilo.
Throughout her stint in the House of Representatives, she spearheaded the passage of several key legislation and proposed several bills for the power and energy sector, which in hindsight foresees her eventual appointment to the Department of Energy.
She began her tenure in DOE as Undersecretary overseeing the Financial Services Bureau and Legal Services Bureau, and also serving as the Department Legislative Liaison Officer. In May of 2025, she was appointed Officer in Charge of the Department and was thereafter appointed as the ad interim Secretary on the 10th of July 2025.
Secretary Garin has also offered her invaluable contribution and support to this representation on the crafting and recent enactment of the Republic Act No. 12179 which amended the EPIRA Law by extending the corporate life of the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. or PSALM.
In light of this, I wholeheartedly express my full support for the confirmation of the ad interim appointment of Secretary Sharon Garin of the Department of Energy.
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
FEB
04
2026
Seconding speech for the confirmation of the ad interim appointments of thirty-five (35) Generals/Flag Officers and Senior Officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines
*(submitted in writing)
Plenary Session No. 07, First Regular Session
“Good morning Mr. Chair, dear colleagues, and appointees.
Over the course of the committee hearing we conducted earlier, we’ve heard various testimonials, reviewed stellar track records, and seen the manifestations of the commendable public service of thirty-five (35) Senior Officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. I am convinced that they are in possession of skills and traits of integrity and competence required to lead our uniformed men and women as they fulfill their mandate of protecting the country and our fellow Filipinos.
If there is anything we have learned from the recent challenges our country has faced, it is that we need resilient and efficient leaders that could withstand the hefty demands of a multi-factorial crisis. I believe that our Senior Officers have shown, not only professional excellence, but also dedication, patriotism, and bravery as they defended and will continue to defend our nation’s honor.
In their new role, I fully believe that they will embrace the similar passion and commitment and uphold the trust the public has bestowed upon them. I am confident that they would strive to actively take part in our national development agenda.
With this Mr. Chair, I wholeheartedly support the appointment of our thirty-five (35) Senior Officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
Thank you, Mr. Chair. “
FEB
25
2026
Seconding speech for the confirmation of the ad interim appointments of eighty-one (81) Generals/Flag Officers and Senior Officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines
*(submitted in writing)
Plenary Session No. 08, First Regular Session
SEN. MARK A. VILLAR
“Mr. Chair, esteemed colleagues from the Senate and the House, appointees, and guests, good afternoon.
I rise to manifest a seconding motion to Chairperson Joboy Aquino II on his motion to recommend the confirmation of eighty-one (81) Generals/Flag Officers, and Senior Officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
Mr. Chair, our distinguished and well-decorated uniformed men whose confirmation is pending before this body today have gone through the worst and back as they fulfilled their duty to the Filipino people. Their experiences and sacrifices undoubtedly reflect the commitment required to reach their esteemed nominations.
Prior to my tenure in the Senate, I had the opportunity to collaborate closely with members of the Armed Forces. We worked together on various TIKAS infrastructure projects, many of which have significantly contributed to the training efficiency and operational effectiveness of our uniformed personnel.
Mr. Chair, I express my wholehearted and unconditional support for the confirmation of all 81 officers. I believe that that they would all be consequential in our goals of bolstering our national security.
Thank you, Mr. Chair.”
MAR
11
2026
Seconding speech for the consent of the appointments and for the confirmation of the ad interim appointments of four (4) Officials in the Department of Foreign Affairs
*(submitted in writing)
Plenary Session No. 09, First Regular Session
“Mr. Chair, esteemed colleagues, and distinguished nominee and appointees, good afternoon.
I rise with full concurrence to the Foreign Affairs Committee Chairperson Ping Lacson and his recommendation of the confirmation of the four distinguished nominee and appointees from the DFA whose appointments are before this Commission:
• Raphael Perpetuo Mercado Lotilla, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Holy See, with concurrent jurisdiction over the Sovereign Order of Malta
• Christian Luna De Jesus, Chief of Mission Class II
• Anthony Achilles Larin Mandap, Chief of Mission Class II
• Judy Barbara Guiang Robianes, Career Minister
Mr. Chair, the roles these nominee and appointees will assume are vital to our nation's standing on the global stage amidst the ongoing crisis. Effective diplomacy demands not only strategic foresight, but also steady leadership, sound judgment, and a deep commitment to advancing our national interest. I believe that our nominee and appointees possess such profound diplomatic acumen to position the country vis-a-vis other states.
I am confident in their ability to navigate today's complex international landscape. Their expertise ensures that the Philippines will be represented with both honor and efficacy.
Mr. Chair, I am pleased to offer my unconditional endorsement for their confirmation.
Thank you, Mr. Chair.”
MAR
11
2026
Seconding speech for the confirmation of the ad interim appointments of seventy (70) Generals and Senior Officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines
Plenary Session No. 09, First Regular Session
Mr. Chair, esteemed colleagues from the Senate of the House, appointees, and guests, good afternoon.
I rise to wholeheartedly second the motion of Chairperson Joboy Aquino II to recommend the confirmation of seventy (70) General and Senior Officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines whose appointments are now before this Commission.
And, I would like to particularly -- I’m particularly happy because some of the members here today were my classmates during the CGSC, during our course, Class 69. So, some of them were my classmates during that course and a number of them are here today. So, congratulations also.
Mr. Chair, the officers before us are not merely names on an appointment list. They are proven leaders who have carried the weight of our national security on their shoulders. Their long, decorated, and arduous service is the very definition of merit– a statement to the grit and sacrifice required to defend the country and our fellow Filipinos.
I have full confidence in their competence and unwavering commitment to the performance of their sworn mandate. Their promotion is a testament of how they have performed their duties and how they can offer more in service of the nation.
It is an honor to manifest my support for their confirmation. Thank you.
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