Palace on Mayor Binay’s departure from city hall: Rule of law prevailed

Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin “Junjun” Binay. NESTOR CORRALES/INQUIRER.net

Palace officials have hailed the decision of Makati City Mayor Jejomar Erwin “Junjun” Binay to temporarily vacate his post as he continues to challenge the suspension order lodged against him by the Office of the Ombudsman.

Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said on Wednesday that Binay’s decision is a testament that rule of law prevails.

“Today is a good day for the rule of law and there is certainly no place for mob rule in modern civil society,” Lacierda said.

The Palace official said that Binay might have heeded the call of Roxas to abide by the Ombudsman’s suspension order.

READ: Roxas tells Mayor Binay: ‘You don’t own Makati’

On the other hand, Communications Secretary Herminio “Sonny” Coloma Jr. said that with Binay heeding the Ombudsman’s order, operations at the Makati city hall will now resume to normal.

READ: Makati gov’t shuts down; 2nd suspension served on Mayor Binay

“It is important that public officials abide by the rule of law so that reason and order may prevail. We hope this will ease tensions and allow the full resumption of normal city hall operations,” Coloma said.

Binay temporarily vacated his post on Wednesday morning pursuant to the six-month suspension order filed against him by the Ombudsman.

READ: Junjun Binay vacates post

He tried to get a temporary restraining order from the Court of Appeals. Instead, the appellate court asked the Office of the Ombudsman and the Interior department to comment on Binay’s petition in 10 days. IDL