Mark Villar

Mark Aguilar Villar, born on August 14, 1978, is a Filipino politician and businessman currently serving as Senator since 2022. A member of the Nacionalista Party, he previously served as Secretary of Public Works and Highways from 2016 to 2021 under President Rodrigo Duterte and acted as the COVID-19 pandemic isolation czar from 2020 to 2021. Villar is part of a prominent political dynasty in Las Piñas, with family members holding significant positions, including his mother Cynthia, a Senate colleague; father Manny, a billionaire businessman and former Senate President; sister Camille, a congresswoman; and wife Emmeline, also a politician.

Educated in the Philippines and the United States, Villar earned degrees from the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. He began his career in business before entering politics as a Congressman in 2010, where he chaired key committees and sponsored significant legislation. Transitioning to Duterte's cabinet, he focused on infrastructure development and flood mitigation, leading to his resignation in 2021 to pursue a Senate bid.

Endorsed by Duterte, Villar was elected Senator in 2022, ranking sixth with over 19 million votes. He holds roles as Deputy Majority Leader and chairs the Senate Committees on Banks and Trade. Outside politics, Villar is married to fellow lawmaker Emmeline Yan Aglipay, and they have a daughter, Emma Therese. He recovered from COVID-19 in July 2020.