Philippine Vice-President Jejomar C. Binay AP FILE PHOTO
Vice President Jejomar Binay on Friday said Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales, whom he called intelligent, would play dumb just to pursue criminal charges against him regarding the allegedly overpriced Makati Science High School building.
“Tignan niyo naman ‘to, marunong si Justice [Morales], justice nga ‘yan e, pero magpapa-tanga ‘yon,” Binay said in an interview with reporters in Bacolod City. “Marunong ‘yun eh, graduate ng UP College of Law ‘yun eh. Doon mo malalaman kung paano siya nanghabla ng ganun. Alam niya naman, ang habla sa ‘kin, diba? For one, I’m immune from suit.”
Binay, who has repeatedly questioned the jurisdiction of the Ombudsman to investigate the corruption allegations against him, maintains that he cannot be removed from office by proceeding with criminal action.
“Kapag ang criminal case would cause the removal of the accused, hindi pwede ‘yun, kasi ang liwa-liwanag aalisin ang impeachable officer by way of impeachment only. So, ‘yun pa din ang iniikutan mo, e ito magaling magpaikot ‘to,” he said.
Binay said the Ombudsman had no “independent and competent evidence” to prove that he ordered the alleged rigging of biddings for the Makati Science High School, adding his mere signatures on documents were not enough to conclude he was part of the alleged conspiracy.
Echoing his counter-affidavit, Binay said his signatures were just part of his ministerial duties as then mayor of Makati.
“Matatawa ka lang dito. Isa pa, pinagsa-submit pa lang kami ng counter-affidavit, may pronouncement na si Justice Morales, na there is sufficient evidence. Pambihira naman ito,” he added.
The Vice President maintained that the Ombudsman has already convicted him through “demolition by perception.”
READ: Ombudsman has prejudged me–VP Binay
“Alam mo ba, na kahit saku-sako ang inihabla sa akin, kahit na anong haba ang investigation ng Senate, hindi po ako nakatikim ng suspension. Never. And I had never been convicted. I was already convicted [prejudged] because of the accusations,” Binay said.