Makati ‘drama’ also irritating Chiz

Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin “Junjun” Binay Jr. waves a copy of the 60-day temporary restraining order (TRO) on the six-month suspension meted out to him by the Ombudsman. RAFFY LERMA / INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Even Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero has become irritated with the political “drama” taking place in Makati City, the senator revealed Tuesday.

Escudero was referring to the bickering whether Mayor Jejomar Erwin “Junjun” Binay remained mayor after the Court of Appeals issued a temporary restraining order on the suspension served upon him by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

BACK STORY: Mayor Junjun Binay ordered suspended for six months

Expressing exasperation, Escudero told reporters, “Nagsalita na ang korte. Kung meron mang issue kaugnay sa decision ng korte, marapat na humiling … sila ng kalinawagan sa korte.” (The court has spoken. If they have issues about the decision, it’s only proper for them to seek enlightenment from the court.)

“Nakakaasar na nakakainis na kailangan pang dumaan sa ganito kahabang issue at drama ang isang bagay na napakasimple lang,” (It’s annoying and irritating that a very simple thing has to go through this lengthy drama) added Escudero.

On March 11, 2015, the Office of the Ombudsman issued a six-month preventive suspension order on Binay as it investigated his involvement in the allegedly overpriced Makati City Hall Parking Building 2.

The DILG served the suspension Monday morning, March 16, 2015, and Vice Mayor Romula “Kid” Peña was sworn in as acting mayor.

BACK STORY: DILG serves suspension order on Junjun Binay

Three hours later, however, the Court of Appeals stopped the suspension.

BACK STORY: CA issues TRO on Junjun Binay suspension

“Kung may confusion o hindi pagkakaunawaan, marapat siguro si Mayor Binay, or si Secretary Roxas o silang dalawa sabay pa kumuha ng pagliliwanag mula sa korte,” (If there is confusion or misunderstanding, Mayor Binay or Secretary (Mar) Roxas or both of them could seek an explanation from the court) Escudero said.

The senator stressed, “Hindi nila kailangang magmatigasan at pomorma pa ng ganyan.” (There is no need for them to act that way.)

In fact, he said, even a spokesman of a court, can make a clarification on the matter.