Binay ‘saddened’ by Roxas rejection

Interior Secretary Mar Roxas and Vice President Jejomar Binay INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

Vice President Jejomar Binay was “saddened” by Interior Secretary Mar Roxas’ remarks when the latter rejected his political rival’s offer to become his running mate, a spokesperson said Saturday.

Binay’s spokesperson Joey Salgado said, “The Vice President simply wanted to stress the need for healing and unity.”

Salgado was referring to Roxas’ comment on Friday that he “will never tread the crooked path” when asked by reporters about being considered Binay’s vice presidential candidate in the 2016 national elections.

READ: Roxas says no to Binay

Binay and Roxas are among the most popular contenders for the presidency. While Binay, who belongs to the political opposition, has been bagging the top spot in the election surveys, Roxas continues to trail behind him.

Roxas ranked sixth in the March survey of Pulse Asia and third in the Social Weather Stations survey in December last year. Although believed to be the chosen candidate of President Benigno Aquino III, the Liberal Party has yet to declare him as its standard-bearer.

Salgado said it was “unfortunate” that Roxas chose to echo the allegations of some senators against Binay.

The embattled Vice President is being investigated in the Senate for his involvement in the alleged overpriced Makati City Hall parking building. Binay’s camp belied the allegations, claiming “spurious and even fake documents” were presented during the public hearings.

“It saddens us that the secretary has taken the same low road as the senators,” Salgado said.

He said “there will be no room for political vendetta” if Binay won as president.

“His administration will work with all political parties, including nonallies. That was the spirit and intent of the offer which was made in all sincerity,” he said.

On the other hand, Salgado hit back, saying Roxas’ fellow Liberal Party members were also facing charges of corruption.

“But because they are in power, they enjoy the apparent protection of state agencies from prosecution,” he said.

Salgado said the 2016 elections should be about “competence, genuine compassion for the poor and readiness to lead the country.” RC

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