Binay’s survey gets 3,000 responses

MANILA, Philippines—Vice President Jejomar Binay’s office said it has received more than 3,000 responses, via e-mail or text, from Filipinos here and around the world to Binay’s survey on the question of whether to allow a hero’s burial for the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos.

Binay’s office, however, did not release the figures on how many were or were not in favor of Marcos being buried at the Libingan ng mga Bayani.

“We do not tally how many voted yes or no. The survey is intended to get the people’s sentiments so we could formulate and give the best recommendation to President Aquino,” Binay said in a statement.

“We are interested in getting the people’s opinion on the issue, not to count how many agreed or disagreed,” he said.

Binay, who was given the job by Mr. Aquino to study the controversial and divisive question of Marcos’ burial, began canvassing the public for “insights on the issue” two weeks ago.

“We want to take into account the views of all sectors and groups. We want to encourage people participation in decision-making,” he said.

According to the initial results since Binay launched his so-called survey on April 15, the OVP received 3,115 replies, of which 2,139 were sent by text message and 976 by e-mail, Binay’s office said.

Binay’s office said it is still waiting for the official position of registered political parties, civic groups and people’s organizations. Commentaries published in newspapers have also been included in the survey, it said.