Comelec mum on ‘morality’ of Binay resignation

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Wednesday refused to comment on the “moral aspect” of the resignation of Vice President Jejomar Binay from his positions in President Benigno Aquino III’s Cabinet.

At the sidelines of the Asean (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Workshop on Election Observation, Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez said that the Comelec could issue a statement on their campaign against “epal” (scene-stealer) politicians but not on personal decisions of politicians.

“When it comes to this particular topic (Binay resignation) … I think it is inappropriate for Comelec to say it is morally right or morally wrong. This depends on the person being talked about,” Jimenez explained.

The Comelec official said elective officials could keep their positions even after they filed certificates of candidacy. Thus, resigning from his Cabinet posts will not force Binay to relinquish his post as vice president.

On the other hand, appointive officials, upon filing their certificates of candidacy, would have to vacate their posts.

“If you are an elective official, you will not be defined by the rule [on appointive officials],” Jimenez added.

Binay resigned as chief of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council and as presidential adviser on overseas Filipino workers affairs on Monday. His resignation will be in effect immediately.

Allies of the vice president claim that he quit his posts because he is tired of being treated as the Aquino Cabinet’s “punching bag.”

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