Admin coalition wary of Binay offer to bare health records
The administration-backed “daang matuwid” coalition Thursday welcomed Vice President Jejomar Binay’s decision to make public his health records, but on the other hand it cast doubt on its authenticity.
Akbayan Rep. Barry Gutierrez, coalition spokesperson, said their camp was “glad” Binay took up the challenge of their standard-bearer, Mar Roxas, for all presidential candidates to disclose their true state of health.
But, he said, the Vice President should release his medical records “complete, unlike his SALN (statement of assets, liabilities and net worth),” alluding to unreported supposed wealth amassed by Binay from the time he was Makati City mayor.
“We are relieved Binay’s medical records were not stolen like his thesis or hidden by (Gerry) Limlingan and (Eduviges) Baloloy like his bank records,” Gutierrez said in a statement.
The reference was to Binay’s two aides who went into hiding after the Senate investigation into alleged irregularities in the Makati City government when the Vice President was at its helm began to unearth questionable practices and a supposed money trail.
“Let’s remember that the Constitution obliges the President to inform the people about the state of his or her health. We think it’s better if the candidates complied with this early on,” Gutierrez said.
On Wednesday, the 58-year-old Roxas voiced support for the suggestion that all presidential candidates make known their state of health.
“Why not? I’m in favor of honesty and transparency so the people will know,” Roxas told reporters after speaking before the League of Mayors in Pasay City.
At 73, Binay is the oldest of the five presidential candidates. He was earlier reported to be suffering from lupus and diabetes, which he has vehemently denied.
The issue of the presidential candidates’ health came to the fore once more with the death last Monday of former Ambassador Roy Señeres three days after he quit the presidential race.
Earlier, presidential candidate Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago, who claims to be a cancer survivor, had turned down calls to release her medical records.
