'Binay got 13% in kickbacks from each Makati project'

MANILA, Philippines - Vice President Jejomar Binay received 13 percent of each project in Makati City as kickbacks, his former ally alleged on Thursday.

Ernesto Mercado, former Makati City vice mayor, said the kickbacks were distributed to three people - then councilor Erwin "Junjun" Binay, Ebeng Baloloy and Gerry Limlingan.

Mercado admitted personally delivering the kickbacks placed in three different bags to the three.

He claimed that the money delivered to Binay's son will be for their family while the funds handed to Baloloy were intended for the vice president's personal use.

The money given to Gerry Limlingan, meanwhile, will be used for Binay's campaign funds, Mercado said.

Baloloy was Binay's personal secretary while Limlingan was his finance officer.

Mercado said sometimes, one bag would contain P10 million.

The former Makati City official made the allegations during the fourth Senate Blue Ribbon sub-committee hearing into the allegedly overpriced Makati City Hall II parking building.

Binay has denied benefiting from government projects in Makati City.