Defense counsel Rico Paolo Quicho. CATHY MIRANDA/INQUIRER.net FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines–Interior Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas II is doing all the “dirty tactics” to derail the 2016 presidential bid of Vice President Jejomar Binay, the embattled official’s camp said.
Lawyer Paolo Rico Quicho, spokesman of Vice President Binay issued this statement on Friday amid the suspension of the Vice President’s son, Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin “Junjun” Binay.
Quicho said the suspension has something to do with Vice President Binay’s presidential plans.
“Lahat ng dirty tactics e ginagawa niyo para hindi makapagpatuloy si Jejomar Binay sa kanyang serbisyo sa ating mga kababayan,” Quicho said Friday in an interview on Radyo Inquirer 990AM.
Roxas and Binay have been seen as strong contenders for the presidency for the 2016 national elections. While Binay has openly declared his intention to run for president, Roxas has yet to make an announcement. Binay beat Roxas in the 2010 vice presidential race.
“Kung gusto niyo po talagang maging presidente e magharap po tayo sa labang marangal,” Quicho said.
“Kung meron po silang personal interes, e dumaan po tayo sa electoral process,” he added.
He said Roxas is using government institutions against Binay.
“Ang nakalulungkot ho itong si Secretary Roxas e ‘yung ‘di niya kayang gawin ay pinapagawa niya sa iba. Maganda nga ho e harapan po ng tama,” he said.
According to him, the legal process should prevail without partiality and without the influence of people with self interest.
“Dapat maging malinis, maayos at walang impluwensiyang mananaig,” he said.