Senator Mark Villar diverged from his sister, Camille Villar, during the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte on September 23, 2026. This notable split occurred when Mark voted in favor of a motion proposed by Senator Erwin Tulfo, marking a departure from the stance of the Senate minority bloc.
A Shift in the Senate Dynamics
We know what’s happening with the minority senators. We are all being attacked.
Imee Marcos, Senator-judge
During the impeachment court session, the body deliberated on a motion to alter the voting threshold necessary for conviction, which was originally set at 16 votes. Mark's support for Tulfo's motion raised eyebrows, particularly as he was the only minority senator present for the vote, while others chose to boycott the session.
The implications of Mark's vote are significant, especially in light of ongoing graft complaints against the Villar family. The Office of the Ombudsman is investigating allegations related to PrimeWater Infrastructure Corporation, which has drawn scrutiny on the family’s political integrity.
This split adds to the complexity of the political landscape within the Senate, as various members face their own legal challenges. As such, Mark's decision may reflect either a personal stance or a strategic maneuver to navigate the current political turmoil.