Binay tells Nancy: Study Senate rules

MANILA, Philippines - As 16th Congress opens tomorrow, Vice President Jejomar Binay yesterday advised his eldest daughter, Senator Nancy Binay, to study the rules of the Senate to make her a good senator.

“I told her to study harder, especially the rules. But I trust her very much. Nancy is a fast learner,” Binay said amid criticism that his daughter lacks experience in legislation.

The Vice President said he could vouch for his daughter’s capacity and intelligence to become a good lawmaker.

He also said that his daughter reports to work early, one of her best attributes. “Last week, she reported to work too early at 7:30 a.m.,” Binay said.

Nancy, on the other hand, admitted that she still cannot believe that she would be working with feisty Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago and former Senate president Juan Ponce Enrile.

“It’s hard to believe that I’m already part of their league,” she said during an acquaintance dinner with the Senate media at the Coconut Palace last Wednesday.

Nancy explained she is more “in awe” rather than fearful of Santiago, who is known to debate her colleagues on matters of great interest.

She also said that she would pay a courtesy call on Santiago in the next few days to reach out to the veteran lawmaker.

She said she hopes to get some pointers from the experienced legislator in the same way that she is seeking the advice of acting Senate president Jinggoy Estrada and Sen. Loren Legarda.

Right now, Nancy said she has established close relations with Sen. Cynthia Villar and Legarda because of the endorsement of the White Group Movement during the campaign.

For his part, the Vice President said his family is ready to face whatever black propaganda will be hurled against them, especially since he has been very open about his presidential ambitions in 2016.

Binay noted that his political rivals, especially those who are also eyeing the presidency in 2016, have already started digging up his old cases to destroy his name.

He added that his detractors are also trying to fish out charges against his son and namesake Makati Mayor Jejomar “Junjun” Binay, Jr.