Palace mum on Binay speech

Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Malacañang will not comment on the speech of Vice President Jejomar Binay until it gets “guidance” from President Benigno Aquino III, who is on official visits abroad but who was aware that the beleaguered Binay was going to deliver one the other day to respond to the corruption allegations against him.

The President knew of Binay’s scheduled speech last Thursday, said deputy spokesperson Abigail Valte. But she did not know if Mr. Aquino, who was “busy and focused on his official visits in Europe,” was able to watch it, she said.

In a televised address to the nation, Binay said no evidence has so far been presented against him in the Senate inquiry into allegations that not only was the Makati car park building overpriced but the bid contract for it was rigged and he had benefited from kickbacks there. Christine O. Avendaño

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