Binay ‘grateful’ to Aquino, people for ‘trust, confidence’

Vice President Jejomar Binay: Grateful. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines–He is “grateful” for the trust and confidence given him by the people, Vice President Jejomar Binay said on Monday, after the latest Social Weather Station (SWS) survey showed that he had rated higher than President Aquino and other government officials.

“The results of the first-quarter SWS are expressions of appreciation for Vice President Binay’s performance. He is grateful to the people for their trust and confidence, and to the President for the opportunity to serve as a member of the Cabinet,” said Binay spokesman Joey Salgado.

According to the March 27-30 SWS survey, Binay garnered an “excellent” net satisfaction rating of +73, an improvement over his “very good” +62 rating in December last year.

Binay’s daughter, Sen. Nancy Binay, attributed her father’s soaring ratings to his ability to work with people of all political stripes.

No politicking 

“Probably one reason [the Vice President] has been excelling in (surveys) is because people see that he does not engage in politicking,” the senator said.

“He may be part of the opposition (but), at the same time, he’s part of the administration. I think people are tired of too much political bickering. I think people see that he just continues to work… and does not practice partisanship,” she added in an interview.

Earlier, Caloocan Rep. Edgar Erice of the administration Liberal Party, said the Vice President should show his true colors and declare whether he’s with the opposition or administration. Erice said Binay should not be enjoying the benefits of being allied with the administration while lambasting the ruling party.

The LP is expected to field its standard bearer against the Vice President who has made no secret of plans to run for president in 2016.

Focused on the job 

In a statement, Salgado said Binay would remain focused on his job with two years left in his term. The Vice President will “not be distracted by (the) crude attempts of political detractors to malign his name and raise false and baseless allegations against him.”

The younger Binay said her father’s “excellent” rating was flattering, considering attempts to smear her family’s reputation.

At the same time, the senator said she was worried that her father’s rating might drive his enemies to work harder to bring him down.

“We don’t know how low and desperate they can get,” she added.

The senator said officials from contending parties should be able to work together. “We’re just one country. Why the need to choose sides when we have the same objectives of helping the people?” she said. “After the elections, I don’t see myself as UNA. I see myself as a public official.”