Let’s give Vice President Jojo Binay the benefit of the doubt: That the charges of corruption against him are “all lies”; that these would not stand up in court; that the accusations against him were motivated by “politics” because he’s leading in the surveys among possible presidential candidates.
His legions of supporters took him at his word that he’s not corrupt during his “presidential-style” speech before the nation.
Still, his supporters want him to attend the Senate hearing where the accusations were made so he could refute the charges.
If I were Binay, I would accept the invitation to the Senate hearing with alacrity.
Through the prodding of Senators Alan Peter Cayetano, Koko Pimentel and Antonio Trillanes, the Vice President would be able to prove his accusers wrong.
* * *
At the height of the 1989 coup attempt against President Cory, Binay, in full battle gear, went around Makati unmindful of his safety to show his loyalty to her government.
Because of his courage to face rebel soldiers who occupied the Hotel Intercon on Ayala Avenue, Binay earned the moniker Rambotito or Little Rambo, after a movie character who fought his enemies single-handedly.
Binay won the admiration of many people, including this columnist, for his uncommon valor.
If Binay was not afraid to face rebel soldiers in 1989, why should he fear facing his accusers in the Senate subcommittee hearing on the allegedly overpriced Makati parking building?
Sige na, Rambotito, attend ka na!
Atapang atao ikaw naman, eh!
* * *
Controversial Davao City Mayor Rody Duterte says he will shoot people who want to make him run for President in 2016.
I’m willing to be shot by Duterte.
We need Duterte in Malacañang to save this country from further going to the dogs.
* * *
We need a leader who can discipline the entire Philippine National Police (PNP) just as he instilled discipline in the ranks of Davao City policemen.
We need a leader who would put fear in the hearts of criminals throughout the country just as he did in his city.
We need a leader who has transformed a once violent city into the most peaceful in the country.
We need a leader who has such charisma to convince his constituents in Davao City, reputedly the biggest city in the world in terms of land area, not to use firecrackers on New Year’s Eve.
We need a leader who is respected by both Moro and communist rebels because he’s in constant dialogue with them.
We need a leader who’s respected by both the masses and upper class because they know he doesn’t steal from them.
We need a leader who’s respected by the business community in his city because he never ever shakes them down.
Yes, this is an early campaign speech for Duterte.
Now shoot me, Rody!
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