Junjun Binay’s camp heaves sigh of relief over CA order

MANILA, Philippines – The camp of Makati City Mayor Jejomar Erwin “Junjun” Binay expressed elation with the Court of Appeals’ writ of preliminary injunction stopping the Office of the Ombudsman and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) from enforcing the preventive suspension of the mayor in connection with an administrative case for an indefinite period.

Binay’s lawyer Claro Certeza said that his client was glad that the CA believed his arguments in stopping the enforcement of his suspension.

“He can now focus on his duties in serving the residents of Makati,” added Certeza who noted that the intervention of the DILG and Vice Mayor Romulo “Kid” Peña, who claimed to be the acting mayor after Binay’s suspension, has created confusion among the people of Makati.

Certeza said that it was clear from the start that the Ombudsman, DILG and Peña’s camp went against the law.

“The CA has released its decision that the preventive suspension cannot be implemented,” the lawyer said, adding that the CA would decide next on their petition to cite in contempt key officials of the DILG, Office of the Ombudsman, Department of Justice, Philippine National Police and Peña.

Asked for comment on the CA decision, Peña said that he would have to consult his lawyers first before commenting on the issue.

“I have not received any news about it but we will be awaiting the Supreme Court’s decision on the matter,” Peña added noting that he would only step down if the high court asked him to.

The Office of the Ombudsman earlier filed a petition asking the Supreme Court to stop the CA from implementing its TRO on the preventive suspension of Binay.

The mayor is expected to personally react to the CA decision on Tuesday (Apr. 7) during a scheduled press conference at the Makati City Hall. SFM/AC