Binay denies dealing with Garci

BALIUAG, Bulacan—Vice President Jejomar Binay on Thursday denied dealing with former Commission on Elections Commissioner Virgilio Garcillano who figured in a controversy to rig the 2004 presidential elections.

In an interview with reporters at the Waterwood Park covered court for his campaign sortie, Binay said Garcillano may be dealing with the Malacañang instead.

“Hinding hindi ko po nakita. Hinding hindi ko po nakausap. Baka po sila, pinatatawag po nila sa Malacañang,” Binay said, dismissing as “lies” allegations that he hired Garcillano as a consultant.

The Vice President denounced the administration, which he said was bound to lose in the elections, for linking him to Garcillano.

“Hindi ko pa nga nakikita. Paano masasabi, hindi ko nga nakakausap? Mga kasinungalingan talaga ’yan. Kasi wala na, talo na ’yang mga ’yan, kaya kung ano-ano ang sinasabi,” he said.

Garcillano had been involved in a wiretapped conversation scandal with then presidential candidate Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo that came to be known as “Hello Garci.” The election fraud charges filed against him have since been dismissed.

The former Comelec commissioner was last seen at the lobby of Seda Hotel in Cagayan de Oro, the same hotel Binay and independent presidential bet Grace Poe stayed at ahead of the presidential debates, on Feb. 21.

Daang Matuwid coalition spokesperson Barry Gutierrez has accused Binay of dealing with Garcillano to cheat his way in the elections.

Poe has also denied dealing with the former Comelec commissioner, while Sen. Serge Osmeña said Garcillano could be working for one presidential and one vice presidential bets from different parties.

In a statement, Binay’s communications director Joey Salgado said the administration seemed to be “high on drugs” for claiming that Binay wanted to cheat in the elections.

Salgado said it was the administration which had control over massive government resources to use in the elections.

“Wow. First time na ang administrasyon umiiyak na dadayain sila ng oposisyon. Sino ba may control at gumagamit ng government resources etc? #Areyouhigh?” Salgado said in a statement.