Many politicians expressing desire to join UNA—Nancy Binay

Sen. Nancy Binay. RYAN LEAGOGO/INQUIRER.net FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines–Despite the allegations of corruption against Vice President Jejomar Binay, many politicians still want to join his political party, the United Nationalist Alliance, according to his daughter, Senator Nancy Binay.

Both Senator Binay and Senator JV Ejercito also maintained that UNA has remained solid as a party, although Ejercito expressed hope the party would hold a caucus soon so that it could guide its members on what they could do to help the Vice President.

Senator Binay said UNA has been busy finalizing its requirements for accreditation as a political party with the Commission on Elections.

The party is focusing on its accreditation before taking in more politicians in its fold, according to Senator Binay.

Asked if none of UNA’s allies has jumped ship amid the brickbats against its standard-bearer, she said there has been no desertion and added that more people actually have expressed their intention to join the party.

“In fact, many have sent word that they want to transfer to us. We’re the ones telling them to please wait, not now, because we want to attend to party matters first,” she told reporters on Tuesday.

She declined to identify the politicians raring to join UNA.

Senator Binay also said that these people would like to join UNA not just because of her father’s high ratings in voter preference surveys.

“More than that, I guess they believe they have the same platform [as Vice President Binay], more than the winnability,” she said.

Ejercito said UNA should call its members to a meeting this month because it had been three months since they last had a gathering.

Many want to help the Vice President amid the charges of corruption being thrown against him and it would be good if the party would guide them, he said.

“We are willing to help and provide support and assistance, but we don’t know what direction we’re going because they haven’t told us. Maybe they have been busy because of the holiday season. I can’t also fault VP Binay’s camp because he had been receiving criticisms left and right. Maybe he has forgotten to ask for help or support from the party,” Ejercito told reporters.

Ejercito also said that although the Vice President’s numbers have declined in public approval and voters’ preference rating surveys, his ratings have remained manageable. He has remained on top and the candidate to beat for the presidency, he added.

But Ejercito reiterated that he would face a dilemma should Senator Grace Poe run for president.

Poe is the daughter of the late actor Fernando Poe Jr., a close friend of Ejercito’s father, Manila Mayor and former President Joseph Estrada. The late Poe had supported Estrada when the latter ran for president.

Should Senator Poe decide to run, Ejercito admitted he would have a difficult time ultimately choosing the person to support as he has had close ties with both Poe and Binay.

“I don’t want to think about that. That would be a difficult situation for us,” he said.

Senator Binay said her father has continued to get warm reception on the ground, despite the criticisms against him. People have been personally assuring him of their support, she said.

She herself has received such messages in her trips to the provinces. People would suddenly approach her to urge her to remain strong.

“They feel like they are also being hit when we are criticized,” she said.

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