Senator Gringo Honasan defended his running-mate Vice President Jejomar Binay on the corruption allegations being hurled against the latter, saying that some politicians are being unfairly judged through trial by publicity.
In the vice presidential debate held at the University of Santo Tomas (UST) on Sunday, Honasan said that some “corrupt” elements in the media are supposedly rendering courts irrelevant in making alleged corrupt politicians accountable for their actions.
“Mawalang-galang sa inyo sa media (With all due respect to those of you in the media), some corrupt irresponsible elements in the media [they are] very powerful. They have rendered our courts, our justice system, irrelevant. ‘Pag nilagay ka sa front page, wala na. [Nasa] headline [ka]? Tapos na. (If you’re on the front page, it’s over. You’re in the headline. It’s done). It affects not only us personally as public servants but also our families and children,” the senator said.
Binay has been crying foul on the corruption allegations being pinned on him, saying that he was subjected to trial by publicity. He has slammed the media, particularly the Inquirer, for allegedly starting a demolition job against him.
READ: Binay boos Trillanes over corruption allegations in VP debate
Asked on his plan to stamp out corruption, Honasan said that solving poverty would usher in the elimination of corruption in government.
“Kung walang mahirap, walang korap (If there’s no poverty, there’s no corruption). Let’s solve the poverty problem The social injustice problem. Educate our people more,” he said.
He also pushed for the passage of the Freedom of Information bill. CDG
READ: Honasan to bring courage, experience once elected as VP
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