Mayor Binay asks Senate not to cite him in contempt

MANILA, Philippines — Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin “Junjun” Binay asked the Senate not to cite him in contempt for failing to appear in the blue ribbon subcommittee’s probe on the alleged corruption in Makati involving him and his father Vice President Jejomar Binay.

In a letter dated November 5, Binay’s lawyer Claro Certeza said the Makati mayor had no intention of defying the Senate subpoena for him to attend the October 30 hearing.

Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin “Junjun” Binay. INQUIRER.net FILE PHOTO

He also said that Binay had requested from the committee the list of questions that will be asked of him in the hearing.

Certeza said asking for the list of questions in an inquiry in advance is allowed under jurisprudence.

Until the committee responds to Binay’s request, the vice president’s son cannot be cited in contempt, Certeza said.

“It is therefore settled jurisprudence that our client has the right to request from the subcommittee the information… Since no response to the request were ever made by the subcommittee, our client cannot be faulted for his non-appearance…” Certeza said.

The panel is hearing the alleged corruption in Makati involving the vice president and his mayor son.

Both Binays had been accused of earning kickbacks in various infrastructure projects in Makati.

Former Makati City Vice Mayor Ernesto Mercado has also testified about a 350-hectare “Hacienda Binay” allegedly owned by the vice president using dummy corporations.

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