Binay questions Aquino ability to lead

UNA Presidential candidate Vice President Jejomar Binay at the municipal hall of San Miguel, Bulacan.
INQUIRER FILE PHOTO/LYN RILLON

SAN RAFAEL, Bulacan—In so many words, Vice President Jejomar Binay yesterday questioned the capability of the Aquino administration to lead the country, even as he made a pitch to Bulakeños that he, in contrast, is “very ripe” for the presidency.

“This administration has showed that it does not know how to lead,” Binay told some 3,000 blue-clad supporters at the San Rafael municipal gym yesterday.

Binay served as chair of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council and presidential adviser on Filipino overseas workers’ concerns under the Aquino administration before he resigned in June last year.

The Vice President blasted anew the government’s underspending, saying its habit of saving funds that have already been allocated to projects has proven detrimental to national development.

“We will never progress if we underspend,” Binay said.

He cited, among other things, low spending on education and public transportation, making a snide remark about the problematic Manila Metro Rail Transit System (MRT).

“Don’t take the MRT. Once you get out, you’d be stinky,” Binay said in half-jest.

He expressed optimism about replicating his 2010 victory in the province, where he edged out the Liberal Party’s Mar Roxas at his first attempt for a national post.

The two fierce political rivals are now facing off for the presidency this election year.

In his speech, Binay reminded the San Rafael townsfolk how they had helped him win in 2010, and said his natural path was to take on the nation’s highest post to fix what he described to be the administration’s failures over the last five years.

“More than half of you in this town of San Rafael voted for me because you know, if something happens to the President, the Vice President takes over. You trusted me then. If I become President, I will work hard,” Binay said.

“Hinog na hinog na ho ako (I am ripe for the job).  I have the experience, the abilities, the compassion. You will not be disappointed. Walang iwanan (Nobody will be left behind),” he said.