Vice President Jejomar Binay. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Jejomar Binay protested on Saturday the treatment he received from the mayor of Roxas City, a known bailiwick of his former foe, former Senator and now Transportation Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas.
Roxas ran but lost to Binay in the 2010 elections.
But Binay said he has forgiven Roxas City Mayor Allan Celino, who allegedly refused to allow the posting of welcome streamers when the Vice President visited the city and even warned market vendors not to mingle with him.
“Isipin nyo lahat ng streamers ko pinatanggal nila. Kawawa naman ang mga pulis na inutusan nila,” Binay said in a statement.
“It is unfortunate pero lahat ng tao may character. Meron naman tayo dapat courtesy in government,” he said.
As the second highest official of the country, Binay said he should have been given due respect by the mayor.
Celino, he said, should have set aside politics.
“Pagpalagay na natin na hindi kami magkasama sa politika pero ako naman ay pangalawang pangulong halal,” said the Vice President.
Binay said he would have wanted to discuss with the mayor housing projects for government employees as well as mass housing for the poor but never had the opportunity.
Despite this, Binay still vowed to return to Capiz.
“I have that responsibility. I was elected to serve the people. I have the support of the administration especiall para magkaroon tayo ng mabuting pamamahala,” he added.