Binay disputes political dynasty, says it’s still up to the people to decide

 Vice President Jejomar Binay leads the proclamation rally of the United Nationalist Alliance on Wednesday in Makati City. He discusses the virtues of his son, re-electionist Mayor Junjun Binay. Video by Noy Morcoso/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—With two of his children seeking re-election in Makati City, Vice President Jejomar Binay reiterated Wednesday that while being charged of dynasty, it is still the collective power of the public that will appoint a candidate to an elective post.

Binay personally endorsed his children—Jejomar Erwin “Junjun” and Mar-Len Abigail—as they seek re-election as mayor and congresswoman, respectively, during a proclamation rally of the United Nationalist Alliance for their local bets in a make-shift stage at the corner of Chino Roces Avenue and Pablo Ocampo Street Extension in Makati City.

His eldest daughter, Nancy, on the other hand, is vying for a senatorial position.

“Hindi porket anak, magulang, pinsan, magkakamag anak nananalo . . . Ang importante . . . kayo naman ang boboto (It’s not enough that one’s sibling, parent or relative will win. What’s important is, you’re the one who’s going to vote),” Binay told the crowd of UNA supporters that were estimated to be around 5,000 during the peak of the event.

Makati City has been a known bailiwick of the Binay family since Jejomar first won as Mayor in the late 1980s, after he was appointed as officer-in-charge of the city by President Corazon Aqui

Vice President Jejomar Binay speaks to the crowd of Makati resident during the proclamation rally of United Nationalist Alliance’s local candidates.

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He took as reference the elections in Manila where a son or a daughter of an incumbent or former politician attempts to win a seat, but failed.

The older Binay said the Philippines is among the countries who gives a big deal on political dynasty.

Meanwhile, Jejomar congratulated Nancy for placing high on the latest Pulse Survey.

Jejomar also boasted of benefits that are unique to Makati, of which includes a pension program for old citizens that are more than 70 years old. Their stipend ranges from P2,000 to P100,000.

In an interview, Junjun said that if he gets elected again, he will continue building schools, hospitals, health centers, barangay hall, and sustain benefits for senior citizens, as well as for children.

He also said that the local government shoulders uniform for its students.

Junjun’s running mate for the Vice Mayor post is Marge de Veyra.