Villareal's political career began in 1934, when he was elected as a delegate to the 1935 Constitutional Convention. In 1941, Villareal won his first election as a Member of the House of Representatives, representing the Second District of Capiz. Due to the Japanese invasion in late 1941, he did not assume office until 1945.[3] He was re-elected in 1946 under the banner of the Liberal Party, and served continuously until 1972. In 1951, Villareal unsuccessfully sought election to the Philippine Senate, for the seat vacated by Fernando Lopez upon the latter's election as Vice-President.
Villareal withdrew from politics until Congress was restored following the ouster of Marcos. At age 83, he was again elected to his congressional seat in the Second District of Capiz in 1987. He was the oldest member of the 8th Congress, while his colleague from Capiz, Gerardo "Dinggoy" Roxas, Jr., was the youngest member of Congress. Ironically, Roxas would outlive Villareal only by a few months.
Villareal did not seek re-election following the expiration of his term in June 1992.
Death
Villareal died on December 22, 1992, almost six months after stepping down from Congress, aged 88.[4]
During his congressional career, Villareal advocated liberal economic and trade policies such as decontrol and decentralization.[5]
References
Corazon L. Paras; La Vina, Dean Karlo B. (1996). The Speakers of the Philippine Legislative Branch. House of Representatives of the Philippines. ISBN971-92100-0-1.