Binay to Poe: I’m also victim of demolition job
VICE President Jejomar Binay on Tuesday distanced himself from his presidential rival Sen. Grace Poe’s allegations that he was among those behind the disqualification cases filed against her.
In Dumaguete City where he was visiting, Binay shrugged off Poe’s allegations, saying that he was actually a “victim” of demolition job by his political enemies.
“For more than a year, I was a subject of demolition by perception,” he said, referring to the controversies that have hounded him, particularly allegations of corruption, which he had denied and dismissed as politically-motivated because he declared early on his bid for the 2016 presidency.
“At the outset, we have already said we will not take part in anyone being subjected to demolition by perception,” he said in an interview with the media in Dumaguete City, a transcript of which was released by his office to Manila-based reporters.
Binay also decried the bid of the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) to freeze his lone bank account, saying this was a violation of the law.
He said the law was clear that one year before an election, the AMLC cannot file for forfeiture.
“I am a candidate for President. But as usual, even if it’s wrong, this is being done for media purposes and for demolition,” Binay said.
Asked about whether he believed in the presidential surveys where he has lost the top spot, Binay said: “The only correct and believable survey is the result of the election. That is our basis.”
Asked about his stand on extra-judicial killings, he said no one can just take lives.
Binay said people in government had no right to engage in extra-judicial killings.
“In truth, I am not in favor of death sentences. Life is at stake there,” he added.
Asked how he will address the illegal drug problem in the country, Binay said that if he becomes President, he intended to designate his vice presidential running mate Sen. Gregorio Honasan as crime czar.
“He will be the one on top of it and be responsible,” he said of Honasan.
