Binay wanted a clone of Jamias in 1999

BACK in 1999 when Vice President Jejomar Binay was the chairman of Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, he lavishly praised then Superintendent Elmer Jamias that he even wished that “we can clone outstanding people” like him.

But Jamias, now with a Senior Superintendent rank, did not realize he would have a bitter encounter with the Vice President after he received praises from Binay 16 years ago.

The police official on Wednesday showed to the media the letter Binay had written him in July 1999, commending him for his outstanding performance in the police service.

“If there were more of your kind in the police service, I’m sure that our country would be such a peaceful place to live and work in,” wrote Binay.

“How I wish that we can clone outstanding people like you. Truly, City Hall did not err in giving you the 1999 Outstanding Manilan Award criminal justice system category. Keep up the good work!”

Binay and Jamias engaged in a heated confrontation last Monday when the former showed up at the Makati City Hall to support his son Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin “Junjun” Binay. Binay wanted the police to leave the city hall grounds and allow their supporters to enter the building. Jamias happened to be the ground commander leading the troops there.

Jamias said the Vice President, despite acknowledging the police official’s salute, spewed out threats against him, berated him and insulted him as a law enforcement officer.

The police also claimed that Binay collared, punched and threatened other civil disturbance management troops in the complex, including a policewoman.

Jamias, a graduate of Philippine National Police Academy class of 1986, is bent on filing charges against Binay.

The PNP formed a special investigating task group to look into the incident.

“Ngayon ako po ay nakikipagugnayan sa SITG at ako ay magsasampa ng kaso laban sa Vice President dahil sa kanyang panglalait sa aking pangalan at sa direct assault at threat na ginawa at sinabi nya sa akin,” he said in a press conference at Camp Crame.

He said Binay has not only insulted him but also his entire bloodline.

“Kailangan kong ipagtanggol ang pangalan ko dahil we belong to a hero clan na binuwis ang buhay para sa bayan at para gawin ang sinumpaang tungkulin,” said Jamias, whose grandfather is a World War II veteran.

“Sinasabi niya noong nasa Manila pa ako, puro pangha-harass sa taong bayan ang ginagawa ko,” said the police official, who started as a patrolman in the city of Manila.

This was not the first time Jamias clashed with the Binay camp. In March, he also held his ground when United Nationalist Alliance’s interim secretary-general JV Bautista questioned the presence of policemen barricading the city hall complex when the younger Binay was first suspended over the alleged overpriced Makati City Building 2.

Despite Binay’s actuations, Jamias said he maintains his respect for the Vice President.

“I might be dismayed by the incident but like all other policemen, we respect the people,” he said.

Does Jamias fear that his career as policeman will be affected if Binay becomes president? “Whatever will be, will be as long as I’m doing my sworn duties as a police officer,” he said.

Asked to give a message to the Vice President, Jamias said: “I have no personal issue against you, Mr. Vice President. I’m just doing my job.”