Vice President Binay appeals for ‘courtesy’ on son’s suspension

SILANG,Cavite—Vice President Jejomar Binay Saturday came to the defense of his son, Makati City Mayor Junjun Binay, who is currently holed up in his office amid a suspension order by the Ombudsman.

Interviewed at the 35th Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) alumni homecoming here, Binay appealed to the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) not to serve the suspension order until the Court of Appeals has acted on the petition for a temporary restraining order filed by his son’s camp.

Vice President Jejomar Binay. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

“Hintayin lang natin ang aksyon sa restraining order (Let us wait for the action on the restraining order),” the Vice President said. “Wala namang pilitan. Ilang araw lang naman (Let us not force it, since it’s only a matter of days).”

He also appealed for the DILG not to force the enforcement of the suspension order as people might get hurt, apparently referring to the supporters of his son who have massed at the Makati City Hall grounds.

The younger Binay is facing a six-month suspension as ordered by the Ombudsman for graft and malversation charges over alleged irregularities in the construction of a city-run parking building. The mayor however insists to stay in his office along with his supporters.

Binay, who is also a lawyer, cited “judicial courtesy,” as he appealed to postpone the service of his son’s suspension.

Since there is a pending appeal in court, the Vice President said the legal process should to take its course and allow the court to address their conflicting interpretation of the Ombudsman order.

“Sang-ayon sa kanila, tama ang (suspension) order. Sang-ayon sa ’min, sa anak ko, void ang order (The said suspension was in order. To us, to my son, the suspension is void). There is conflict in the two interpretations,” he said.

The Vice President did not give a direct reply to questions whether or not his son would be willing to step down should their petition for a TRO be denied.

He instead reiterated his call to allow the CA to decide first on the petition for a TRO.