Mark Villar caps 19th Congress with major wins in legislation

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Mark Villar emerged as a key legislative force in the 19th Congress, concluding the session with a strong record of accomplishments that emphasized economic modernization, digital innovation, and inclusive national development.

Villar filed a total of 176 bills, submitted 144 resolutions, and was the author or co-author of 23 laws, including 6 landmark laws he personally sponsored. His legislative output reflects a strategic focus on strengthening the country’s digital infrastructure, protecting consumers, and promoting rural enterprise and energy sustainability.

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“As Chairperson of the Committee on Banks, Financial Institutions and Currencies, and former chair of the Committee on Trade, Commerce and Entrepreneurship, I’ve seen firsthand how critical these sectors are to national progress,” Villar said. “We needed laws that match the pace of global digital transformation.”

Championing Digital and Financial Safety

At the core of  Villar’s agenda was the development of a future-ready economy. He was instrumental in the passage of the Internet Transactions Act (ITA) and the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act (AFASA)—two landmark measures that aim to safeguard Filipino consumers and modernize the country’s financial and e-commerce environment.

The Internet Transactions Act provides a regulatory framework for online commerce, establishing clear rights and responsibilities for both consumers and merchants. By sponsoring the ITA, Villar aimed to protect consumers while encouraging growth in the digital economy.

Meanwhile, AFASA targets the rising tide of financial fraud. The law criminalizes “money muling” and social engineering scams, and allows authorities to temporarily hold suspicious funds during investigations. “With the exponential rise in online financial crime, AFASA is both timely and necessary,” Villar emphasized.

Supporting MSMEs and Rural Development

Beyond digital reform, Villar also pushed for the passage of the One Town, One Product (OTOP) Act, which supports Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in rural communities. The law simplifies qualification processes for local producers and encourages innovation, with the goal of promoting Filipino-made goods and generating sustainable local employment.

“The OTOP law is about empowering communities. We need to help MSMEs become competitive in a fast-changing market,” Villar said.

Expanding Public Sector and Energy Protections

Villar also led the charge on legislation aimed at protecting public servants and stabilizing the energy sector. Republic Act No. 12181, or the Adjusted DFA Retirement Benefits Act, ensures monthly pension differentials for retired foreign service officers, addressing inflation concerns and honoring decades of diplomatic service.

Another milestone was Republic Act No. 12179, which extended the life of the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management (PSALM) Corporation. This move ensures the continued management of the National Power Corporation’s financial obligations and prevents the passing on of stranded costs and debts to Filipino consumers.

“These laws are not just technical fixes—they’re about protecting livelihoods and reducing the burdens on ordinary Filipinos,” Villar explained.

A Holistic Vision for Development

Throughout the 19th Congress, Villar maintained a consistent legislative philosophy: promote a forward-looking economy while ensuring no sector is left behind.

“It’s important that we prioritize various sectors simultaneously so that we can push forward holistic and sustainable national development,” he said. “Every bill we championed, every discussion we engaged in, was guided by the singular goal of uplifting our nation.”

With the 19th Congress now concluded, Senator Villar reaffirmed his commitment to continue advancing inclusive, tech-forward policies that benefit all Filipinos.