Press Release
November 30, 2008

Accountants grant Villar "Hall of Fame" award

Nacionalista Party President Sen. Manny Villar was bestowed the Accountancy Hall of Fame award by the country's biggest and most prestigious organization of accountants.

The Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) elevated Villar to the organization's Hall of Fame and conferred him their highest award in recognition of his outstanding achievement and contributions to the accountancy profession.

"As a CPA, I have tried my best to be truthful, transparent, fair and accountable both within and outside of my immediate professional circle. This code of conduct has been the moral compass in my life," Villar said after receiving the award during the 63rd PICPA Annual National Convention held at Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas in Davao City on Thursday.

Villar also challenged the accountants to take an active role in addressing the global financial crisis, which is predicted to hit the country hard next year.

"The truth is accountants are the heart and soul of every reputable corporation and organization. That's why I am proud to receive this award, which is given by people who are credible and has integrity," he added.

The former Senate president also explained to the audience why he resigned from the Senate top post.

"It's a numbers game. When you no longer have the support of the majority, you can't hold on to that post. Pero hindi ibig sabihin nito ay hindi na tayo magtatrabaho. Lalo pa nating sisipagan ang pagtulong sa ating mamamayan," Villar said, which was met by applause.

He also cited the Senate achievement under his leadership, where the Upper Chamber broke records in the passage of bills on third reading.

The most heart-warming recognition we got are survey results showing the Senate president as the most trusted public official in the land and the Senate as the most trusted institution, he said.

Villar earned his bachelor and master's degree in business management and accountancy from the University of the Philippines. After graduation, he tried his hand as an accountant at the country's biggest accounting firm, Sycip Gorres Velayo & Co. (SGV & Co). He resigned shortly and ventured on his own seafood delivery business.

The PICPA Accountancy Hall of Fame Award was the latest addition to the numerous awards Villar received in the past both as a private and public servant, including the Ten Outstanding Young Men in 1986, Agora Award for Marketing Management in 1989, Most Outstanding CPA by the Institute of Certified Public Accountants in 1990, and Most Distinguishes UP Alumnus in 2004.

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