Trillanes not inclined to invite Binay wife, says Senate body has enough evidence

Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Antonio Trillanes IV said he is not inclined to summon to the Senate the wife of Vice President Jejomar Binay, who has repeatedly turned down the chamber’s invitation to appear before it and answer all allegations being hurled at him.

“I’m not inclined to subpoena Dr. (Elenita) Binay,” Trillanes told reporters when asked if the Senate would summon the wife in lieu of the Vice President.

“I believe we have shown enough evidence to prove the propensity for corruption of the Vice President and his family. Now, if there’s anybody who will refute this, who can refute this, it’s going to be the VP himself. S’ya ‘yung padre de pamilya, ngayon magpakalalaki ka, humarap ka in defense of your family (He is the head of the family, so he should man up and defend his family),” the senator added.

The name of Mrs. Binay was also repeatedly mentioned in the hearings of the Senate blue ribbon subcommittee on the allegedly overpriced Makati City Hall 2 parking building and other irregularities allegedly committed when her husband was still the mayor of Makati City.

One of the vice president’s accusers, former Makati City Vice Mayor Ernesto, named Mrs. Binay during the past hearings of the subcommittee as one of the family members who allegedly received kickbacks from the projects in the city.

The couple both became mayor of the city until their son, incumbent Mayor Jejomar Erwin “Junjun” Binay, took their place in 2010.

RELATED STORIES

Binay wife, daughter signed billing statements for Tagaytay property—witness

Binay backs out of debate with Trillanes

Trillanes tells Binay: We’re not done yet

RELATED VIDEO