Presidential Anti-Smuggling Group chief: Spare me from politics

STO. TOMAS, Pangasinan , Philippines  – “Spare me from politics. I’m not running anymore.” 

Thus said Undersecretary Antonio Villar, chief of the Presidential Anti-Smuggling Group, in his weekly radio program over dzRH every Sunday about his agency’s significant accomplishments and programs to curb smuggling in the country. 

Villar repeated the same to The STAR yesterday as he said that he abhors insinuations he is up for a national elective post when he started his radio program.

Also, he said some quarters staged demolition jobs against him in an effort to discredit his anti-smuggling accomplishments. “I know who these people are. But I’m sorry to disappoint you because I’m done with politics,” he said.

He suspects that people behind these demolition jobs are the ones affiliated with smugglers in the country. 

“Our accomplishments will speak for themselves. I’m happy that public opinion is with us in our fight,” he said.

But Villar said he is not denying that he has been getting offers from various friends to join them for a senatorial slate. 

“Some even wanted me to run for governor in my home province. Others say I should run for congressman. But I’ve been into politics as mayor for 20 years,” he said.

He said he is no longer interested to run. 

“Huwag nyo na pong isipin na ako ay may plano. Hindi ko na po hangad na ako ay maging pulitiko pa. (Don’t think anymore I have political plans. I don’t aspire anymore to become a politician (again)),” he said.

Villar is celebrating his birthday today with no less than President Arroyo as his very important guest as she holds her Cabinet meeting right in his house in this town.

Villar said he has established his own provincial political party, Biskeg na Pangasinan (Strength of Pangasinan) accredited by the Commission on Elections and he will just support candidates he sees fit to serve the people in the elections.                 – Eva Visperas