Mayor Jun-Jun Binay still refuses to attend Senate hearing

MANILA, Philippines – Mayor Jejomar Erwin “Jun-Jun” Binay remained defiant after his arrest on Thursday morning and continued to refuse to attend the Senate hearing on alleged anomalies in Makati City.

Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III, chair of the blue ribbon subcommittee conducting the hearing, suspended the session to wait for Binay.

But the mayor insisted on staying at the Office of the Senate Sergeant-At-Arms at the building’s basement, apparently preferring to be detained than participate in the hearing.

Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin Binay, Jr. (center) consults with his lead counsel, former senator and human rights lawyer Atty. Rene Saguisag and Atty. Claro Certeza as he complies with the contempt order enacted by the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee Sub-Committee earlier today, January 29, 2015. Photo from Office of Senator Nancy Binay

Speaking to reporters, political ally Cavite Governor Jonvic Remulla said Binay remains steadfast in his position not to face the subcommittee.

“As of our last conversation, he is not willing to attend,” Remulla said. “If they bodily bring him here that’s another question so we will cross the bridge when we get there.”

Remulla pointed out that the arrest order issued on Binay did not specifically require him to face the hearing. The order, he said, simply said that he would be arrested and detained in the chamber.

He also clarified that Binay was not arrested but “voluntarily arrived at the Senate using his vehicle.”

“Tinanggap yung arrest order but he was not accosted to come here. He rode his own vehicle,” Remulla said.