Vice President Jejomar Binay. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO/Romy Homillada
“I’m also human,” said Vice President Jejomar Binay amid continued attacks against him.
Binay made the remark in a radio interview Tuesday when he was likened to a mango tree, who is being hit for bearing fruits.
“Pag ka ganyan ayaw ko na maging puno (If it’s going to be like that, I don’t want to be like a fruit-bearing tree),” he said.
“Tao rin ako ah, nasasaktan ako doon lalung-lalo na pag ka sa misis ko, ‘yung mga anak ko. ‘Dad,’ sabi ng mga anak ko. ‘Ano ba itong nangyari sa atin?’ ‘Alam mo anak, oo nga’t masarap maglingkod sa pamahalaan dahil sa nakakatulong ka sa bayan, ito naman ang malungkot na bahagi diyan, iyong ikaw ay pinagbibintangan at sinisiraan.’”
(I’m also human, I get hurt, especially when [it involves my wife, and my children]. My children would ask me, “Dad what’s happening to us?” “You know, while it’s good to serve the government because you can help the country, the downside is you get accused and vilified.”)
“Dagdagan na lang natin ng dasal (Let’s just pray more),” Binay added.
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Lamenting that his image was tarnished by corruption charges against him, he reiterated that theese allegations are all lies.
“And that’s why despite these (accusations) against me, I’ve never been suspended, I’ve never been convicted,” said the Vice President.
Binay also warned everyone against vote-buying.
“Sa pagpili ng pagiging pangulo, sana ang maging batayan hindi ho ‘yung perang ibibigay dahil ‘yan ay nakahanda nang lahat o nag-uumpisa na, bumabaha na, umulan na. Huwag ipagbili ang boto,” he said.
(When voting for a president, I hope the people do not get swayed by money, because I am sure, my rivals are already distributing cash. Do not sell your votes, people.)
“Sana huwag naman ninyo, mga kababayan ipagbili ang mga boto ninyo. Tayo ho ay mahigit isang daang milyon na, kawawa naman ho yoong mga anak at mga anak ng mga anak natin kung tayo ho ay makakakuha ng isang mamumuno na walang karanasan, walang kakayanan at walang malasakit sa bayan,” Binay added.
(I hope you do not sell your votes. There are already 100 million in the Philippines, and it will be a pity for our children and our children’s children if we elect a leader who lacks experience, skills and concern for the people.) Maila Ager/IDL