Binay keeps up attack on Aquino

Vice President Jejomar Binay on Saturday again raised the issue of bad governance against the Aquino administration as he continued his trips outside his bailiwick, this time to Valenzuela City, stronghold of the Gatchalian family.

“Our problem is bad governance. The people continue to be impoverished and many do not have jobs. That is our problem. This is what we will solve,” he said in a speech before Valenzuela residents.

He said that he and Valenzuela Rep. Sherwin Gatchalian, an ally, would use their experience as heads of local governments when they take on national leadership roles.

Gatchalian is planning to run for senator under Binay’s United Nationalist Alliance coalition.

“In the coming elections, the one that should lead us should have competence, experience and concern for the country,” he said.

The longest serving Makati mayor spoke of his more than two decades’ experience as a local chief executive and his programs that provided many benefits to senior citizens.

In an earlier speech at the Coconut Palace, Binay called the Aquino administration “insensitive” and “bumbling,” bringing up such issues as the Metro Rail Transit breakdowns and the Disbursement Acceleration Program.

Mon Ilagan, UNA spokesperson, said the Vice President had raised valid points, as indicated by the President’s directive to his Cabinet to respond to Binay’s criticism point by point.

“Perhaps it reminded President Aquino that it seems there was a basis for the statements of the Vice President about the problems of the country,” Ilagan said in an interview.

Another Binay spokesperson took the administration to task for harping on the Vice President’s use of the Coconut Palace, instead of responding to the “substantive issues” he raised.

Joey Salgado, OVP media affairs head, said Binay was grateful for being allowed the use of the Coconut Palace, but Malacañang seemed to be rubbing the favor in Binay’s face.

“It seems the Palace is now doing an accounting of the supposed favors extended by the President to the Vice President, treating public funds as personal monies given to officials and agencies who are expected to be eternally grateful,” he said. Leila B. Salaverria