Palace denies it had a hand in Junjun Binay dismissal
Malacanang on Saturday disputed claims that it had a hand in the dismissal of suspended Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin “Junjun” Binay over the controversial Makati parking building.
“We do not have a hand in the processes of the Ombudsman,” deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte over state-run dzRB radio.
READ: Ombudsman orders dismissal of Junjun Binay | Junjun Binay’s camp questions ‘suspicious’ timing of dismissal order
Valte said that the camp of Binay should answer the allegations instead of blaming the Aquino administration.
“Tingin ko ho mas mabuting sagutin na lang nila, harapin na lang po nila, kaysa kami pa ho ‘yung pinatutungkulan nila,” she said, adding that the Ombudsman is an independent body.
(I think it would better for them to just respond [to the allegations], face [them], instead of implicating us.)
Article continues after this advertisementThe camp of mayor Binay has accused the Ombudsman ‘s order as “biased and selective.”
Article continues after this advertisement“Makikita naman po natin na ang Ombudsman malinaw hong walang kinikilingan. Mayroon ho ‘yang mga kinakasuhang taga-administrasyon, mayroon hong kinakasuhang oposisyon,” she said.
(We can see that the Ombudsman has no bias. It has charged members of the administration, as well as members of the opposition.)
READ: Binay camp: Ombudsman rushed dismissal order, calls it ‘selective’
On Friday, the Ombudsman ordered the dismissal of Binay over the irregularities on the alleged overpriced Makati parking building.
Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales said that Binay would be dismissed for grave misconduct and dishonesty, as there were “irregularities in the services and contract for the construction in several phases of the parking building.”
The Ombudsman recommended that Binay be prohibited from serving in any government position. His benefits will also be forfeited.
READ: Junjun Binay dismissal ‘end of Binay dynasty,’ says Trillanes | Abi Binay may run in Junjun’s stead | What went before: Makati City Hall Building II probe
“We have promulgated our resolution. I ordered the dismissal of Mayor Binay for grave misconduct and dishonesty. What goes with it is perpetual disqualification from holding public office, forfeiture of retirement benefits,” Morales told reporters on Friday. CDG
