Noynoy doubts Villar's rags story

Villar insists ads are true, seeks apology

MANILA, Philippines (1st UPDATE) - Senator Benigno 'Noynoy' Aquino III on Tuesday said he does not believe Senator Manuel Villar’s claim that he came from poor origins. 

Aquino said he and his siblings, including youngest sister Kris, were all born in the Far Eastern University (FEU) Hospital where Villar’s brother, Danny, was said to have been confined for 13 days because of leukemia in 1962, according to his death certificate.

“Eh may kaya naman kaming pamilya,” Aquino said in a press conference.

The Liberal Party (LP) standard-bearer made the comment in reaction to charges it was the LP camp that was spreading the documents challenging Villar’s claim that he was poor.

“Those are squid tactics he must answer the question squarely,” Aquino said. 

Senator Franklin Drilon flatly denied the accusation, saying the issue is the authenticity of the documents, not the source.

Among the public documents obtained by Philippine Star columnist William Esposo are the death certificate of Danny B. Villar,  and the Transfer Certificate of Title (TCT number: 135396/3194) of the 560-square-meter property in the upper class San Rafael Village of Navotas where the Villars had lived when Danny died.

According to Esposo, the documents "shattered this once poor fantasy that Villar has been peddling. “

LP senatorial candidate Risa Hontiveros said Villar’s false claim was “scandalous and an insult to the real poor in the country.” 

She challenged Villar to use the Holy Week to “repent.”

Villar: Ads are all true

Meanwhile, Villar is demanding an apology from his critics challenging the veracity of his political ads.

Villar dismissed as malicious, allegations that he lied about his poor beginnings.

He admitted his brother was brought to the FEU Hospital, but he was placed at the charity ward with the help from his father's cousin.

Villar also rejected allegations his family had money then to buy a land in San Rafael, Bulacan.

He pointed out the land was loaned by his father through the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS). 

Villar maintained everything in his campaign jingles are true. -- with a report from ANC