Vice President Jejomar Binay talks to UNA spokesperson Mon Ilagan during his visit in Cainta, Rizal, on June 18. NIÑO JESUS ORBETA/INQUIRER
As he snubbed anew the Senate hearing on corruption allegations against him, Vice President Jejomar Binay was in Pangasinan “to talk with local leaders and residents” and distribute wheelchairs to senior citizens.
But United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) spokesperson Mon Ilagan on Wednesday denied that this was a form of early campaigning, saying that the Vice President’s frequent provincial visits were not tainted with any political motive.
“Tatlong araw siya doon [sa Pangasinan]. Again, mayroon siyang soiree doon at mga dialogue sa mga women’s group at of course, mayroon siyang mga programang gagawin doon at pagpapaliwanag sa mga issue,” Ilagan said in an interview with Radyo Inquirer 990AM.
Binay on Tuesday skipped the 22nd Senate blue ribbon subcommittee hearing on the allegedly overpriced Makati City Hall Building II and other accusations against him. In a statement, vice presidential spokesperson for political affairs Rico Quicho said “no amount of explanation by the Vice President will suffice” to the senators.
READ: Binay camp slams ‘hypocrite’ senators as VP snubs Senate hearing anew
Ilagan added that the opposition party received a positive reception from local officials of Pangasinan, noting that UNA would continue to expand and strengthen its network.
He added that Binay was set to go to Bicol after his three-day Pangasinan trip.
“Tuluy-tuloy na po ito. Magkakaroon po ng konsultasyon sa mga magsasaka doon [sa Bicol] at manggagawa ng agrikultura, and of course ’yung pagtulong sa mga senior citizens and local government officials,” he said.
In June, Binay visited three public markets in San Mateo, Rodriguez, and Cogeo, Antipolo, in Rizal, distributing wheelchairs and taking a swipe at his political rivals. His supporters were also seen giving away shirts and fans imprinted with the text “Kay Binay, gaganda ang buhay.”
Despite the campaign sortie mood, the Vice President said his Rizal trip was part of his official duties. With a report by Arianne Merez/RC
READ: Binay visits 3 markets, but denies campaigning