Palace says it respects Binay decision to back out of debate

MANILA, Philippines – Malacañang on Tuesday said it respects the decision of Vice President Jejomar Binay to back out of his debate with Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, citing other opportunities to air his side of the issue.

“We respect the Vice President’s decision not to push through with the debate with Senator Trillanes,” Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte told Palace reporters.

Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

Valte echoed President Benigno Aquino III’s statement that he did not want to give unsolicited advice to Binay, who is his senior.

She also pointed out that the Vice President has had other avenues to explain.

“We’re pretty certain Vice President weighed all of his options. Perhaps there will be other opportunities for him to air his side,” she said, after pointing out that Binay had already been interviewed by media on the issue.

Asked if Binay’s decision, which was frowned upon by his critics, would help uplift the chances of the administration’s bet for the 2016 presidential elections, Valte said it is something that will become known in the future.

The President has yet to announce his candidate for 2016, she said.

“He (Aquino) wants someone that will be able to carry the burden as gracefully but he has declined to name anyone,” she said when asked if Binay “fit the bill” of Aquino’s preferred successor.

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