DAGUPAN CITY – Vice President Jejomar Binay failed to mention Cavite Governor Jonvic Remulla when he was asked for his top three Cabinet secretaries should he win the presidency.
Binay was asked during the fast-talk segment of the presidential debate at the University of Pangasinan on Sunday.
Off the top of his head, Binay said he wanted former Finance secretary Gary Teves and former Trade secretary Peter Favila back in their posts. Teves and Favila, who are among Binay’s economic advisers, served in the Arroyo administration.
Binay said he would put PagIbig Fund president Darlene Berberabe as Education secretary. Berberabe defended Binay in a Senate Blue Ribbon investigation on alleged corruption in Makati City.
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Binay failed to mention Remulla, whom he earlier said would be his Interior secretary.
Remulla, a known staunch ally of Binay in Cavite, had been missing in Binay’s campaign sorties, raising speculation that he has shifted loyalty to another candidate.
Remulla once served as Binay’s spokesperson.
In an earlier interview in Alaminos City on Friday, Binay denied that Remulla had turned his back on him.
Binay said Remulla was abroad while taking a break from the campaign, which is on the homestretch.
“Bakit naman ang conclusion… [he] ‘wants his peace’? Gusto magpahinga noong tao. Napapagod na. Kaya nga hindi nagkandidato, napagod na siguro sa kakakampanya,” Binay said.
Remulla is not running for reelection. He gave way to his brother Crispin “Boying” Remulla in the gubernatorial race.
Binay said he and Remulla remained the best of friends and still wanted him to be in his Cabinet.
“Friends! The best of friends! ‘Di ba nga si Governor Jonvic ay gagawin ko pa ngang Secretary of the Interior?” Binay said.
Binay had said he wanted his running mate Sen. Gringo Honasan to be his anti-crime czar.
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