Act as ‘grown-ups,’ Escudero tells Binay, Peña, DILG

Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero (center). MAILA AGER/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero again criticized the warring parties in Makati City on Monday, saying they should face the problem as “grown-up” and “mature” leaders.

“Pareho sila, bawas-bawasan yung pamumulitika nilang dalawa. Pareho nilang pinu-pulitika yung issue,” (The two of them should limit the politics. Both of them are politicizing the issue) Escudero said on Monday at a weekly forum.

He added, “Kung gusto nilang matapos ito, pwede namang mag-usap at pwedeng magkasundo.” (If they want to end this, they can talk and agree to end it.)

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The lawmaker was referring to Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin “Junjun” Binay, who was ordered suspended for six months by the Office of the Ombudsman, and Vice Mayor Romulo “Kid” Peña, who has been installed as acting mayor.

The Ombudsman suspended Binay as it investigated charges of corruption against him for his involvement in the allegedly overpriced Makati City Parking Building 2. However, the Court of Appeals has issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) against the suspension. 

BACKSTORY: CA issues TRO on Junjun Binay suspension

Peña on the other hand, has been trying to perform his duties after he took his oath as acting local chief executive. The Ombudsman, justice and interior departments say the court’s TRO came “too late” since the suspension of Binay had already been served.

BACKSTORY: Makati Vice Mayor Peña takes over Binay’s post

Escudero said both sides may agree to put on hold the implementation of the suspension order on Binay while waiting for the court to resolve the case.

“Pwede namang ganun e, hindi naman kelangan ng ganyang kabigat na drama sa mga simpleng issue,” (They can do that. This heavy drama on a very simple issue is unwarranted) he said.

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“Hindi naman kailangang magmatigasan sila. Alam na nating lahat na matigas ang ulo nilang lahat. Hindi na nila kailangang patunayan yun,” (They don’t need to be stubborn. We already know that they are all hard-headed. They don’t need to prove that.)

Escudero said, “Again both, the City of Makati, the DILG, and Vice Mayor Peña — they can resolve this as grown up and mature individuals and leaders.”

Former Senator Aquilino “Nene” Pimentel III, who was also guest at the forum, urged both parties to seek clarification from the court and to peacefully resolve the matter for the sake of the people of Makati.