Cynthia Villar facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Cynthia Villar
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Villar in 2015
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| Senator of the Philippines | |
| In office June 30, 2013 – June 30, 2025 |
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| Chair of the Senate Agriculture, Food and Agrarian Reform Committee | |
| In office July 23, 2019 – June 30, 2025 |
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| Preceded by | Alan Peter Cayetano (Agrarian Reform Committee) |
| Succeeded by | TBD |
| Chair of the Senate Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change Committee | |
| In office September 3, 2019 – June 30, 2025 |
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| Preceded by | Committee established |
| Chair of the Senate Climate Change Committee | |
| In office July 22, 2019 – September 3, 2019 |
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| Preceded by | Loren Legarda |
| Succeeded by | Committee dissolved |
| Chair of the Senate Environment and Natural Resources | |
| In office July 25, 2016 – September 3, 2019 |
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| Preceded by | Loren Legarda |
| Succeeded by | Committee dissolved |
| Chair of the Senate Agriculture and Food Committee | |
| In office February 27, 2017 – September 3, 2019 |
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| Preceded by | Francis Pangilinan |
| Succeeded by | Committee dissolved |
| In office July 22, 2013 – June 30, 2016 |
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| Preceded by | Francis Pangilinan |
| Succeeded by | Francis Pangilinan |
| Chair of the Senate Government Corporations and Public Enterprises Committee | |
| In office July 22, 2013 – June 30, 2016 |
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| Preceded by | Franklin Drilon |
| Succeeded by | Dick Gordon |
| Member of the Philippine House of Representatives from Las Piñas | |
| In office June 30, 2001 – June 30, 2010 |
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| Preceded by | Manny Villar |
| Succeeded by | Mark Villar |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Cynthia Ampaya Aguilar
July 29, 1950 Muntinlupa, Rizal, Philippines |
| Political party | Nacionalista (2004–present) |
| Other political affiliations |
Independent (2001–2004) |
| Spouse |
Manny Villar
(m. 1975) |
| Children |
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| Residences | Las Piñas, Metro Manila |
| Alma mater | University of the Philippines Diliman (BSBA) New York University (MBA) |
| Occupation | Politician |
| Profession | Businesswoman |
| Signature |  |
Cynthia Aguilar Villar (born Cynthia Ampaya Aguilar on July 29, 1950) is a Filipina politician. She served as a Senator of the Philippines from 2013 to 2025. Before that, she was a member of the House of Representatives for Las Piñas from 2001 to 2010.
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About Cynthia Villar
Cynthia Villar was born on July 29, 1950, in Muntinlupa, which was then a town in Rizal. Her father, Filemón Aguilar, was a mayor of Las Piñas and a congressman. Her mother was Lydia Ampaya.
Education and Early Career
Cynthia Villar went to Muntinlupa Elementary School and graduated in 1962. She finished high school at Philippine Christian University in 1966. She then studied at the University of the Philippines Diliman (UP Diliman), earning a degree in Business Administration in 1970. This is where she met her husband, Manny Villar, who also became a Senator. In 1972, she earned a master's degree in Business Administration from New York University.
In 2017, the University of the Philippines Alumni Association gave her the Most Distinguished Alumni award. Before getting married, she worked as a financial analyst and a professor at Far Eastern University. After marrying Manny Villar in 1975, she helped him manage his businesses. She also worked at Capitol Development Bank, serving as its treasurer and later as its president.
Villar Foundation and Family Life
In 1992, Cynthia Villar started the Villar Foundation. This foundation works on projects to help communities. She is still its managing director today.
When her husband, Manny Villar, became the Speaker of the House of Representatives in 1998, she became the chairwoman of the Congressional Spouses Foundation. She also led the Senate Spouses Foundation, Inc. when her husband became the Senate President in 2006.
Cynthia Villar has a brother named Vergel Aguilar, who used to be the mayor of Las Piñas. She and Manny Villar have three children: Manuel Paolo, Mark, and Camille.
Public Service and Political Journey
Cynthia Villar began her political career in 2001. She ran to represent the Lone District of Las Piñas in the House of Representatives and won by a large number of votes. She served in this role until 2010.
Becoming a Senator
In 2013, Cynthia Villar ran for a seat in the Senate. She won and became a Senator, placing tenth in the election. As a Senator, she worked on important laws and policies for the country.
She was re-elected for a second term in the Senate in the 2019 elections. She received a very high number of votes, showing strong support from the people.
Key Roles in the Senate
During her time as Senator, Cynthia Villar chaired several important committees. These included:
- The Senate Agriculture, Food and and Agrarian Reform Committee. This committee focuses on farming, food supply, and land distribution.
- The Senate Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change Committee. This committee deals with protecting the environment, managing natural resources, and addressing climate change.
She also chaired the Senate Government Corporations and Public Enterprises Committee. This committee oversees government-owned businesses.
Recent Political Activities
In 2016, her son, Mark Villar, was appointed as the public works and highways secretary by President Rodrigo Duterte. Cynthia Villar supported many of President Duterte's policies during his term. She voted for laws that aimed to improve the economy.
In 2018, she stated her views on various topics, including her opposition to same sex marriage in the Philippines. She also expressed admiration for President Duterte.
In January 2019, President Duterte publicly supported her re-election campaign. She then won the Senate race with the most votes.
On March 26, 2024, the United Nations Association of the Philippines gave Cynthia Villar a Human Rights Award. This award recognized her work on ending poverty and promoting environmental well-being.
After serving her two terms as Senator, Cynthia Villar ran again to be the representative for Las Piñas in the 2025 elections. However, she did not win this election.
