MANILA, Philippines–How the attacks on Vice President Jejomar Binay weigh her and her siblings’ children down worries Sen. Nancy Binay more than the effects on her father’s presidential ambition.
Speaking to reporters after Mass on the quadrangle of the Makati City Hall on the eve of Binay’s 72nd birthday, Nancy on Monday said the corruption allegations against her father and brother, Makati Mayor Junjun Binay, were affecting the Vice President’s grandchildren.
“One time, a child of my sibling heard in school, ‘That’s the child of Mayor Binay who is a thief,’” said the senator, the Vice President’s eldest daughter. “Isn’t it hurtful for all of us to hear that?”
The Vice President with his wife, Elenita, son Junjun and Nancy heard Mass celebrated by nine priests at the Makati City Hall. Hundreds of City Hall workers attended the Mass.
Binay left the Mass right after the communion to attend the policy forum on the rehabilitation of Super Typhoon “Yolanda”-affected areas at the Philippine International Convention Center.
Rushing to the forum, Binay, who turns 72 Tuesday, refused to answer questions from reporters. “I am wishing for more prayers for our countrymen,” he said when asked about his birthday wish.
Warning against storm
On the accusations of corruption, Nancy told reporters that early on family members had been warned by her father that “a storm is coming.”
“Before 2015, they (detractors) might even include my children and my nephews and nieces in the allegations,” she said.
“I am more worried for them. My siblings and I decided to enter politics. But for these children, they have no choice but to be dragged into this,” she said.
The senator reiterated her position that the proper venue to lay down all the accusations was the court.
“Why can’t they file a case? The Vice President is an impeachable officer. Why up until now, no one is filing the complaint?” she said.
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