Binay: Elitist, anti-poor groups behind ‘Oplan Nognog’

Vice President Jejomar Binay. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO / NIÑO JESUS ORBETA

MANILA, Philippines – Vice President Jejomar Binay on Sunday said that those behind “Oplan Nognog” are elitist and anti-poor.

“Whoever thought of ‘nognog’ was clearly being insulting. Surely those who thought of that word are wealthy hacienderos, because ‘nognog’ is a slur against those who are dark-skinned,” he said in a statement.

Binay was reacting to an alleged black propaganda campaign by his political opponents aimed at derailing his planned presidential run in 2016.

He also blasted Senator Antonio Trillanes IV’s quip about him being “kulay-mahirap, na asal-mahirap (having the skin color and the attitude of the poor).”

“This is just another proof of Mr. Trillanes’ anti-poor thinking. All of those behind the smear campaign against me think lowly of the poor and those who are dark-skinned,” Binay said.

The Vice President again accused Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas II of leading the campaign.

Although he did not directly call Roxas elitist, Binay said: “He is one of the leaders behind Oplan Stop Nognog 2016. I won’t be surprised because first of all the word nognog is derogatory, your dark complexion is taken against you.”

Roxas, who is a member of the affluent Araneta clan, is believed to be eyeing the presidential post and is expected to run under the Liberal Party.

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