Binay laments demolition job in opening of presidential debate
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Philippines—Vice President Jejomar Binay on Sunday lamented the demolition job against him over alleged corruption in Makati.
Binay made the statement in his opening speech at the Commission on Elections presidential debate here.
The vice president reiterated his vast experience in Makati of alleviating poverty and his compassion for the poor.
Binay also boasted of his experience coming from the poor.
He said the corruption allegations were hurled against him because of his desire to help the poor.
“Sa Makati, napababa ko ang bilang ng mga mahihirap. Maraming nagtatrabaho at nakatamasa ng magandang serbisyo. Nagawa kong pinakamayaman ang lungsod ng Makati,” BInay said.
(I was able to decrease the number of poor in Makati. Many were employed and have experienced good service. I was able to make Makati the richest city (in the country).)
“Dahil sa kagustuhan kong maiahon tayo sa kahirapan, siniraan ako at ang aking pamilya… Ako ay mamumuno dala ang aking karanasan sa tamang namamahala at malasakit sa bayan,” he added.
(Because of my desire for us to rise from poverty, my family and I have been subjected to criticisms. I am serving the public with my experience of appropriate administration and love for our country.)
Binay was indicted by the Ombudsman for malversation, graft and falsification of public documents for the alleged rigging of the procurement for the design and construction of the P2.2 billion Makati car park building when he was still mayor.
READ: What went before: Makati City Hall Building II probe
He was indicted with his son dismissed Makati mayor Junjun who on Friday was formally charged before the Sandiganbayan for graft and falsification of public documents.
READ: Junjun Binay charged with graft, document falsification over carpark building
The Ombudsman said it would file the charges against Binay after the end of his term owing to Binay’s immunity from suit as vice president.
Binay was also recommended to be charged for plunder by the Senate Blue Ribbon subcommittee which investigated the alleged kickbacks for Binay from graft-ridden infrastructure projects when he was mayor.
He has since decried politics in a bid to derail his presidential bid, calling the Senate investigation a political inquisition. RAM
