President Benigno Aquino III. AP FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines – Amid Vice President Jejomar Binay’s claim that the Senate probe on the allegedly overpriced Makati building was politically-motivated, President Benigno Aquino III on Monday stressed the importance of searching for the truth.
“At the end of the day the truth will set us all free,” Aquino said after the launch of the Mindanao Inclusive Agribusiness Program launch at Davao City.
He, however, said that he himself did not know what the truth was regarding the controversial building.
“Do I have knowledge as to the veracity of the accusations against the Vice President? I have no personal knowledge,” he explained, adding that he only relied on media reports.
“I have nothing to add to the truth or falsehood,” he added.
Cavite Governor Juanito Vicente “Jonvic” Remulla, Binay’s new spokesman, on Thursday said there was indeed rigging in the bidding for projects in Makati but it did not involve the Vice President and former Makati mayor.
Instead, Remulla said it involved former Makati purchasing officer Mario Hechanova, former Makati Vice Mayor Ernesto Mercado and the late city engineer Nelson Morales.
It was Mercado who testified before the Senate blue ribbon committee, saying Binay benefited from the alleged overpricing of the Makati City Hall Building 2.
The former Binay ally said the P2.3 billion-worth building was supposed to cost only P1.2 billion.
During the hearing, Mercado admitted he had a falling out with Binay after the latter withdrew his support for Mercado’s mayoral candidacy.
On the other hand, Remulla said Binay dropped Mercado as his candidate upon learning that he was involved in the rigging of government contracts.
Binay also said the investigation was being used as political platform of his detractors. Among the lawmakers pushing for the investigation are Senators Alan Peter Cayetano and Antonio Trillianes IV.
Although an opposition leader, Binay has close ties with the Aquino family, having served under former president Corazon Aquino. However, his relationship with her son, the incumbent president, is said to be strained.
RELATED STORIES