Palace mum on ‘Oplan Stop Nognog in 2016’

Vice President Jejomar Binay. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

Manila, Philippines — The Liberal Party has already answered accusations of black propaganda against Vice President Jejomar Binay, Malacañang said Tuesday when asked about “Oplan Stop Nognog 2016.”

“Tumugon na ang matataas na opisyal ng Liberal Party. Palagay ko naman nabigyan na nila ng angkop na pagtugon,” Communications Secretary Herminio “Sonny” Coloma Jr. told Palace reporters.

(The officials of the Liberal Party already responded. I think their reply is sufficient.)

JV Bautista, interim secretary general of the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) party, earlier claimed that Interior Secretary Mar Roxas and Senator Alan Cayetano were conniving to destroy Binay’s chances in the 2016 elections.

Roxas, Cayetano and Binay are all said to be interested in running for president.

He said the helicopter used to shoot footage of the 350-hectare alleged “Hacienda Binay” was owned by an associate of Roxas while the videographer was an employee of Cayetano’s wife, Taguig Mayor Lani Cayetano. It was earlier believed that it was former Makati Vice Mayor Ernesto Mercado who paid for the ride.

Coloma insisted that they do not engage in partisan politics and are instead focused on supporting President Benigno Aquino III and his reforms.

He dismissed claims that Roxas, who is believed to be Aquino’s preferred successor, and Senator Franklin Drilon were involved in the alleged campaign to discredit Binay.

“Wala po akong impormasyon hinggil dyan. At wala na akong maidadagdag sa mga nabanggit,” he ended.

(I don’t have any information on that. And I won’t add anything to that.)

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