Binay counting on 'cousins'

MANILA, Philippines - Makati City Mayor Jejomar Binay is five feet and two and a half inches tall – and proud of it.

“I’m taller than Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. That’s true. That is a matter of fact,” Binay, vice presidential bet of the United Opposition led by Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino standard-bearer former President Joseph Estrada, said during his interview with The STAR editors and reporters last Thursday night.

Binay, 67, said that his dark complexion is something that he is also proud of, and which he uses to advantage during the campaign.

He said he has realized that he has many cousins in the cities, municipalities and provinces that he had visited so far in the campaign.

“It’s enjoyable coming here to The STAR because I have plenty of cousins here – mga kasin-taas ko, kasing itim ko at kasing tanda ko (Those as tall as I am, as dark as I am and as old as I am),” Binay punned.

Binay said he also focuses his campaign on the estimated seven million senior citizens nationwide.

“Senior citizenship is only in the mind. We will improve the benefits for the senior citizens once I am elected. We did it in Makati, we will do it in the whole country,” Binay said.

Binay denied that he is a trapo, the pejorative term for traditional politician.

“Does catering to the benefits of your people make you a trapo? Trapo are those who make promises, but after winning they don’t keep their promises. My edge is I grew up poor – tunay ito (this is true). My mother died due to breast tumor and we had no money for treatment. My brother also died,” Binay said.

Binay said he will return to private law practice if he does not win, and looks forward to the time when he could spend more time with his 11 grandchildren.

“I will go back to law practice and try to be a consultant in the city government of Makati. After elections, politics is enough,” Binay said.