Cynthia Villar as 2nd female House Speaker? ‘I just want a simple life’

Senator Cynthia Villar (Photo from Senate Public Relations and Information Bureau)

MANILA, Philippines — Is Cynthia Villar ready to become the second female Speaker of the House of Representatives?

The outgoing senator was asked this question on Wednesday.

She is seeking a return to the House of Representatives as a representative of Las Piñas City’s lone district in the 20th Congress.

She, however, did not budge.

“I just want to live a simple and productive life. Wala na akong masyadong ambisyon,” said Villar in a Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum.

(I don’t have a lot of ambitions anymore.)

Former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo was the first female speaker of the House of Representatives.

With 184 lawmakers voting for her installation, the former president took the post in 2018, ousting Davao del Norte Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez.

At the Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum, Villar was urged to answer if she wants the post should she get fortunate and once again secure a seat in the lower chamber.

Villar, for her part, pointed out that Arroyo’s case is different from hers.

Prior to becoming a senator, Villar already completed three terms or nine years of service – from 2001 to 2010 –  as the representative of Las Piñas.