Supporters of former Makati City Vice Mayor Romulo “Kid” Peña Jr. have switched sides, expressing their support for incumbent Mayor Abby Binay and her father, ex-Vice President Jejomar Binay.
Peña — who took over when Abby’s brother, Junjun Binay, stepped down as Makati mayor in 2015 — is running as congressman in Makati’s first district in May.
Peña, who narrowly lost to Abby when both ran for Makati mayor in 2016, will be pitted against the former VP.
According to the group led by former councilor Angie Reyes of Barangay Bangkal, they decided to support Abby because of her “innovative and progressive brand of leadership.”
“We have seen and actually experienced the many positive changes brought about by the current administration. We are excited to see the full digital transformation of Makati,” Reyes said.
She added that when Jejomar Binay was the city mayor, he initiated many projects that were later replicated by other local government units, including the Makati Health Program (Yellow Card), Blu Card for senior citizens and Project FREE (Free Relevant Excellent Education), among others.
‘Authoritative voice’
“With VP Binay as our congressman, we will have an authoritative voice in Congress. He was named among the world’s best mayors and he redefined the traditional role of the vice president with his passion and dedication to public service,” Reyes said.
She also complimented Abby for being a “hands-on leader,” In 2018, Abby conducted at least two dialogues with residents in 32 of Makati’s 33 barangays.
“She takes time to meet her constituents face-to-face right in their own neighborhood, even on weekends, just so she can listen to their concerns and provide immediate answers or solutions. Residents have come to know her better because of her direct interactions with us,” Reyes said.