Manila, March 2 -- The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Monday said it summoned officials of Villar Holdings Corp. to give their side on complaints of market manipulation, insider trading and disclosure shortcomings filed by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

"After undergoing initial evaluation, the complaint lodged by the SEC against Villar Holdings Corp. et al. with the DOJ ... will proceed with preliminary investigation for alleged violations of the Securities Regulation Code," DOJ spokesperson Polo Martinez said in a message to reporters.

Subpoenas have been served to the respondents," he added.

Named in the SEC complaint are former senator and Villar Land chair Manuel Villar Jr, former senator Cynthia Villar, and directo...