Presidential candidate Jejomar Binay INQUIRER PHOTO / NIÑO JESUS ORBETA
Vice President Jejomar Binay wishes the New Year will see an end to vindictiveness and selective justice in the country—which he has accused the Aquino administration of committing in its nearly six years in office.
In his New Year’s message, Binay, hoping to succeed President Aquino, took a dig at his erstwhile ally whose government he has blamed for the black propaganda against him and his family.
Hounded by corruption charges being investigated by the Ombudsman—which he has continuously denied—Binay recouped his lead in the presidential race in the latest survey after steadily losing supporters following the allegations against him.
In his message, Binay reminded the people that 2016 is the “The Holy Year of Mercy,” as declared by Pope Francis in “response to the world’s need for a revolution of tenderness from which justice and all the rest derive.”
“It is in this same vein I pray that the New Year will usher in a new hope that the era of vindictiveness and selective justice will end,” Binay said in the statement issued two days before the New Year.
He said he hoped 2016 would see everyone and not just a select few benefiting from the economic progress.
“A new hope that we will have a government that is just and compassionate and responsive to the needs of the poor and needy,” the Vice President added.
He said the country’s economic gains would mean nothing if they were not felt by everyone.
“Let this be our guide as we choose competent leaders who will build a truly benevolent nation that respects the dignity of all Filipinos,” he said.
Since resigning from the Aquino Cabinet in July, Binay has been lashing out at the administration, accusing it of being bumbling and insensitive to the needs of the poor.
Binay also said it was vindictive and resorted to selective justice after corruption complaints were filed against him and his son, ousted Makati City Mayor Junjun Binay.