What contractors? VP denies new Trillanes allegations

MANILA, Philippines–Vice President Jejomar Binay on Wednesday denied the claim of Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV that he gave mass housing projects of Pag-Ibig to favored contractors.

Speaking for the first time on Trillanes’ new allegation which would be the subject in the next hearing of the Senate blue ribbon subcommittee later this month, Binay, who is chair of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council, said that Pag-Ibig does not deal with contractors.

“We don’t have contractors in Pag-Ibig,” Binay said in a radio interview.

Binay said that the latest corruption allegation against him was part of the “perception game” being played by his political foes. He said the new allegation was part of the vilification campaign against him.

“Why are they doing this? They are after perception. They would vilify you,” Binay said as he lamented the tendency of people to react negatively on this kind of allegations.

Binay maintained that Pag-Ibig was one of the best shelter sectors and that this was recognized by the government.

He also vouched for the competence of Pag-Ibig President Darlene Berberabe.–Christine Avendaño