Atienza: Senate not the right body to probe Binay, ‘overpriced’ building

MANILA, Philippines — The Senate investigation into the allegedly overpriced Makati city hall parking building should be stopped and instead be brought before the Ombudsman or done through the impeachment process.

“The issue should be handled by a formal investigation, not the Senate. We have the Ombudsman or Commission on Audit. Allow these agencies to investigate, so as not to be mixed with political color,” Buhay party-list Representative Lito Atienza said in a forum Monday that was also attended by Senator Alan Peter Cayetano.

Buhay partylist Representative Lito Atienza . INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

Atienza said that Vice President Jejomar Binay, who has repeatedly refused to come before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee to answer the allegations, is only being prosecuted in the Senate because of his plans to run as president in the 2016 national elections.

“Why should Binay go to a forum where the investigators are declared candidates?” he asked.

Cayetano and Senator Antonio Trillanes, who launched the Blue Ribbon Committee investigation, have both expressed their openness to run for president in the 2016 elections. Binay has also openly declared his intention to run for president.

Albay Governor Joey Salceda, who was also a guest at the event, said that it would be fairer for the Binay camp if there would just be an impeachment complaint.

“An impeachment process is certainly preferred than a Senate investigation because it has closure,” Salceda said citing the previous pronouncements of the Binay camp.

Cayetano, however, continued to call on Binay to attend the hearing and answer the allegations on the overpriced Makati city hall parking building.

He alleged that Binay has been busy campaigning in the provinces along with just one or two official business trips and has been very selective on who he wants to answer questions from.

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