Mayor Binay: Suspension ‘disservice’ to Makati residents

MANILA, Philippines—Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin “Junjun” Binay on Friday said his suspension was a “disservice” to the thousands Makati residents who elected him to office.

Speaking to reporters at Makati City Hall, Binay said they had received reports from sources that there was a plan to file “a series of cases” and eliminate the whole city council.

“Dapat po ay respetuhin nila ang mandato na ibinigay sa mga opisyales dito. Dapat po hindi mangibabaw ang kagustuhan ng iilan,” he said.

“Kung tama po ang nababalitaan namin na gusto nilang ubusin ang mg opisyales dito at maglagay ng officer in charge, that is a disservice to the thousands of Makati residents who had voted me to be the mayor of this city.”

READ: Junjun Binay not leaving Makati City Hall, vows to resist LP takeover

The mayor recounted the 2006 incident where his father, then Makati mayor and now Vice President Jejomar Binay, was also suspended after complaints were filed by his political rivals.

“Eto na naman ang template na gusto nila,” the mayor said.

Mayor Binay remained holed up in his office since Wednesday after his suspension order was issued.

He said he wasn’t able to sleep well but was “coping.”

He said he was able to have a “rounds of talks” with his father after the Vice President visited him in his office.

He reiterated that he would remain in his office, saying the Ombudsman order was “void.”

“Let the courts decide,” he said.

On Friday, tight security was implemented inside the city hall premises.

All entrance doors were closed except for one. Elevators went up to 17th floor only while the mayor’s office is on 21st floor.

Fire exits were also guarded by security officers while an army of civilian supporters remained at the grounds of city hall.

“Ang iniiwasan po natin ay may masaktan at may kaguluhan,” he said, giving a public apology on the situation.

RELATED STORY: Binay camp warns Roxas