Palace wants dictatorship—Binay

By: Niña P. Calleja - 9 years ago

Vice President Jejomar Binay has turned the tables on Malacañang with allegations of “dictatorial tendency,” suggesting that the ruling Liberal Party would like to hold on to power for the next two decades.

In an interview during the Gerona, Tarlac, leg of his “working” tour, Binay said the administration’s statement that it needs 18 to 20 years for President Aquino’s programs to bear fruit reveals the party’s desperation to stay in power.

“They are holding very tight to power. We would know by the time the people cast their votes if they believe in the ‘straight path.’ If (Malacañang) wants 20 years, dictatorship is what it wants,” the Vice President said.

Binay said in a previous interview that the administration has hatched a three-phased plan to install a dictatorial government.

One, he said, is to destroy the judiciary, and then the office of the Vice President.

“On the third phase, once it is done, they will establish a dictatorial government. They will have positions there,” Binay said in Filipino.

But Binay earlier said he is open to Charter change to remove the limits for president and vice president even as he is opposed to the Anti-Political Dynasty Bill. The Binays had ruled Makati for nearly 29 years since 1986.

Binay also took exception to presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda’s description of his “True State of the Nation” (Tsona) as “charot” or what in gay lingo means something that should not be taken seriously.

“Can you respond to those I have said and not veer away from the issue?” said Binay, who has yet to respond to the mounting charges of corruption against him.

Lacierda and Binay’s spokesperson Joey Salgado earlier had a heated exchange in “swardspeak” after the Vice President’s camp fired back at Lacierda’s “charot” remark during a Palace press briefing.

Salgado yesterday said Lacierda has finally confessed something truthful.

“The cat is finally out of the bag. For once, Secretary Lacierda said something true. The LP’s grand plan is to impose one-party dictatorship,” Salgado said.

“They are not just offering six years but 20 years of insensitive and inept governance. And 20 years of large-scale corruption involving allies and party mates and suppression of the opposition,” Salgado said.