MANILA, Philippines — After the Court of Appeals (CA) granted a 60-day temporary restraining order on his suspension, Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin “Junjun” Binay Jr. said that it is time to get back to work and set aside politicking.
In a press conference with lawyer Claro Certeza and United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) party-mates Navotas Rep. Toby Tiangco and Atty. JV Bautista on Monday, Binay thanked the residents of Makati for supporting him in his five-day ordeal.
“We want to work for the people because they are awaiting for that. Let’s stop politicking. The people are tired of it. They want to see their elected leaders working because that is what is expected from them,” Binay said.
Binay said that he will meet department heads and city councilors to discuss the status of the operations in the offices in the City Hall which was paralyzed by the Monday’s standoff.
Work in the City Hall was halted after 2,500 members of the Philippine National Police and Special Action Force (SAF) commandos surrounded the building as the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) served the suspension order against Binay and other city officials for his involvement in the allegedly overpriced Makati City Hall Building 2.
Meanwhile, when asked of his reaction on the granting of the TRO on his suspension, Binay said that it was a mix of joy and sadness.
“We were all teary-eyed, we were jumping for joy. Sobrang katuwaan at meron ring kalungkutan kasi nag-graduate na po yung bunsong daughter and I missed it this morning. I was watching the video while waiting for the TRO,” he said.
He even jested that he might still hole up in his office for another day after staying at the City Hall for five nights.
Atty. Claro Certeza, Binay’s counsel, said that they are hoping that the Court of Appeals will issue an injunction on the case.
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