Mark Villar resigns as DPWH Secretary ahead of the upcoming May 2022 polls

Mark Villar is marking his last day as the Secretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways. 

In a flag-raising ceremony at the agency, the public official announced that he has decided to step down from his post. “Today’s my last day after five years. I officially filed my resignation effective Wednesday, so I’ll be stepping down on Wednesday as your secretary,” he said. “Sinabi ko na kay Presidente na ito ang pinakamalaking karangalan sa buhay na maging bahagi ng DPWH.” 

In a Facebook post, Villar shared a snap of his last day in office. 

While he remained tight-lipped about the reason for his resignation, his recent move took place ahead of the upcoming May 2022 national and local polls. Villar is included in the PDP-Laban’s initial list of Cabinet men who are being eyed for its Senate lineup. In an interview on ANC Headstart, Department of Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi likewise said that Villar will push through with his bid. “There are also other candidates we’re considering to run under PDP,” he added. 

As of this writing, his successor is yet to be announced.

Also a real estate businessman, Villar accepted President Rodrigo Duterte’s offer to become part of his Cabinet in August 2016 after working as the Representative of Las Piñas City at the House of Representatives for six years. He is the son of former Senate President Manny Villar and Senator Cynthia Villar.