No misconduct if raffle winner Rep. Binay keeps condo unit – ethics panel

MANILA, Philippines – Only sheer luck, no misconduct.

This was the view of the lower house ethics and privileges committee chair about Makati Representative Mar-len Abigail Binay who won a condominium unit in a Christmas raffle.

“I don’t think there is a violation. She was just lucky. Out of so many tickets to be picked out, she was picked and happens to be a congresswoman,” Laguna Representative Joaquin Chipeco told reporters on Monday.

In the Facebook page of Rockwell Power Plant Mall in Makati, Rep. Binay supposedly won a studio unit of “The Grove,” a posh residential condominium by Rockwell Land Corp. in Pasig City.

The daughter of vice president Jejomar Binay, Rep. Binay has a net worth of P41.2 million in 2012, according to the House of Representatives’ summary list of statements of assets and liabilities net worth.

Chipeco added that their code of conduct does not prohibit public officials from joining raffles.

What is prohibited, he said, is “accepting a gift in consideration of anything that has to do with your performance of office.”

Chipeco also shot down views that participating in raffles may be considered gambling.

Asked if he were in Rep. Binay’s shoes, Chipeco admitted he would accept the condominium unit.

“Personally, I would like to get my prize because this is a raffle. There is no such prohibition against public officials,” he said.

Netizens reacted against Binay’s winning the raffle, noting that it may have been rigged as the Power Plant Mall was in Makati, a known stronghold of the Binays.

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