DV Boer Controversy
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DV Boer Farm International Corporation, founded by Soliman “Dexter” Villamin Jr., is a Philippines-based agricultural company that became the subject of national controversy due to its livestock investment scheme known as the “Pa-iwi” program. Promoted as a co-raising arrangement, the program attracted thousands of investors, including many Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), by promising significant returns from livestock production. The company’s collapse led to multiple investor complaints, government investigations, and legal proceedings, with critics labeling it a large-scale investment scam.
= Background =
DV Boer gained prominence in the late 2010s through its innovative but unregulated livestock co-raising scheme, which allowed individuals to invest in cattle, goats, and other farm animals raised on DV Boer’s properties. In return, investors were promised returns ranging from 15% to 40% over 12 to 24 months. The scheme was particularly popular among OFWs seeking passive income opportunities.
= Allegations and Legal Proceedings =
In early 2020, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) issued a cease and desist order against DV Boer Farm for soliciting investments without the necessary secondary license, classifying its operations as unauthorized investment solicitation.[https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/780717/ Prosecutors seek syndicated estafa raps vs DV Boer execs] – GMA News
Subsequently, the Candon City Prosecutor’s Office found probable cause to charge Villamin and other executives with syndicated estafa, a non-bailable offense under Philippine law. Reports indicate that some investors lost millions of pesos, and multiple cases were filed across jurisdictions.
= Supreme Court Ruling on Political Affiliations =
In a related political controversy, Villamin became entangled in a leadership dispute within the Magsasaka Party-list, a sectoral party representing farmers. Villamin, along with Crisanto “King” Cortez, submitted a new slate of nominees to the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), which included Roberto Gerard Nazal Jr. Nazal was eventually proclaimed as a congressional representative after the first two nominees on the list resigned.
In May 2024, the Supreme Court of the Philippines ruled that Nazal’s proclamation was invalid, citing his lack of legal affiliation with the party-list he purported to represent.[https://lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2024/may2024/gr_262975_2024.html Supreme Court decision GR No. 262975 – Cabatbat vs Nazal]
= Involvement with Bagong Henerasyon Party-list =
Following his disqualification from Magsasaka Party-list, Nazal was nominated as the first nominee of the Bagong Henerasyon (BH) Party-list in the 2025 elections. This move raised public concern due to Nazal's previous disqualification and the alleged involvement of religious and corporate networks in supporting his candidacy.
According to a report by MCGI Exiters, an online publication managed by former members of the Members Church of God International (MCGI), Villamin had familial ties to Ulysses Villamin, the personal nurse of the late MCGI leader Bro. Eli Soriano. The report alleged that MCGI-affiliated individuals, including Crisanto Cortez and Kap. Rudy Medina (a known MCGI member and CEO of Medical Depot), were involved in supporting BH’s campaign.[https://www.mcgiexiters.org/post/holy-schemes-and-billionaire-dreams-the-dv-boer-mcgi-nexus-fueling-bh-party-list-s-rise-to-power MCGI Exiters – Holy Schemes and Billionaire Dreams: The DV Boer–MCGI Nexus Fueling BH Party-list’s Rise to Power]
The article also claimed that Daniel Razon, current MCGI overall servant and CEO of UNTV, covertly backed Nazal’s political comeback by allegedly channeling support through Medina, BH’s second nominee. These claims, while not independently verified by mainstream media, raise questions about possible violations of the Omnibus Election Code of the Philippines, particularly Sections 261(i) and 261(o), which prohibit religious institutions and private entities from participating in election campaigns.[https://comelec.gov.ph Omnibus Election Code of the Philippines, Sections 261(i) and 261(o)]
= COMELEC Action =
On May 22, 2025, COMELEC formally suspended the proclamation of BH and Duterte Youth, citing unresolved disqualification cases and concerns about campaign conduct.[https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1478593 COMELEC suspends proclamation of Duterte Youth, BH party-lists] – Inquirer.net
= Reactions and Implications =
The DV Boer controversy and its political entanglements have been cited by watchdog groups as examples of how the party-list system can be manipulated by powerful interests. Advocacy groups have called for stronger safeguards to prevent the use of religious or corporate influence in the nomination and election of party-list representatives.