Photo credit: Manny Villar

Manny Villar, founder of Villar Land Holdings Corporation, has addressed recent reports about a complaint filed by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) with the Department of Justice (DOJ), saying his company has yet to receive an official copy.

In a statement released today, February 3, Villar said his knowledge of the allegations is “limited to what has been reported by various media outlets.” He explained that the DOJ will now review the complaint and decide whether a preliminary investigation is necessary.

At the same time, Villar made it clear that Villar Land has always upheld the highest standards of corporate governance. “All our businesses and officers understand that good governance is essential for building trust among investors and fostering sustainable growth,” he said. He also noted that the company fully cooperated when the SEC conducted its initial fact-finding investigation.

Villar emphasized the company’s commitment to transparency and compliance with SEC and Philippine Stock Exchange regulations. “We have consistently disclosed material developments and continue to coordinate with regulatory bodies regarding the status of our financials,” he added.

Sharing a personal note, Villar recalled his humble beginnings selling shrimp and fish with his mother in Divisoria, saying that in all his years as an entrepreneur, he has never engaged in illegal practices to defraud investors or benefit himself.

He assured the public that Villar Land will respond to all allegations through proper legal channels, pledging full cooperation with any impartial investigation. “I am confident that justice will prevail, and my family and our companies will be exonerated of all these baseless charges,” Villar concluded.