Binay to Heidi Mendoza: Just answer the issues

Vice President Jejomar Binay. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – Vice President Jejomar Binay’s camp on Tuesday urged Commission on Audit (COA) commissioner Heidi Mendoza to simply answer the  issues raised against her, saying “appeals to the emotion will not help her case.”

“There are several oppositors to her confirmation and they have raised issues against her impartiality, competence and professional conduct. As far as we know, she has not answered these issues convincingly,” Binay’s spokesman,   Joey Salgado, said in a statement.

Salgado specifically pointed to a news report about Mendoza’s alleged failure to pay some P2 million in taxes.

“She (Mendoza) reportedly admitted this in an affidavit. We find this very disturbing,” said the spokesman.

“The position of COA commissioner is such a sensitive position and it is expected for nominees to be mindful of their duties as citizens, and this includes paying taxes,” Salgado added.

Salgado issued the statement after Mendoza appealed for confirmation of her appointment during the hearing of  the  Commission on Appointment’s  committee on constitutional commissions and  offices.

The commissioner lamented that her only fault  was pursuing a case against  someone  who has presidential ambition. She did not elaborate but one of the  issues raised against   her  involved the case filed  against Binay’s wife, former Makati Mayor Elenita Binay.

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