Former VP Binay on being Speaker of the House: Not likely

Former Vice President Jejomar Binay. Noy Morcoso/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Former Vice President Jejomar C. Binay, on Friday said it would be close to impossible for him be the Speaker of the House of Representatives if he wins in the May 13 elections.

“Suntok sa buwan ‘yun,” Binay told reporters noting that House Speakers “historically” come from the administration-allied lawmakers.

Binay is running as the representative of Makati City’s 1st district.

He will be challenged by former acting Makati City mayor and former vice mayor Romulo “Kid” Peña from the Liberal Party, as well as independent candidates John Mesina and Ferdie Sevilla.

‘Drug problem is a health issue’

The former presidential candidate said has yet to decide if he would align with the Duterte administration if elected as congressman.

But he underscored that he is not in favor of the administration’s war on drugs.

“Totoong may problema tayo sa drugs… Pero ‘yung pamamaraan para masugpo o mapababa ang probelmang ‘yun ay hindi sa pamamagitan ng ginagawa ngayon,” Binay said.

“Sa akin, tama ‘yung sinasabi ng iba na ‘yung problema sa drugs tungkol sa health ‘yan eh. It’s a medical problem. We should not consider that as a criminal offense,” he added. / gsg

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