Binay postpones speech on corruption allegations, visits typhoon victims

MANILA, Philippines - Vice President Jejomar Binay on Monday visited some areas hit by Typhoon "Luis" instead of pushing through with his scheduled live address on the corruption allegations hurled against him.

According to a statement posted on his website, Binay flew to Cagayan this morning to personally assess the damage in the province. After his visit to some towns, he is expected to head to Isabela.

"The vice president thinks that while there is an appropriate time to respond to the issues, the need to alleviate the suffering of typhoon survivors cannot wait.  The vice president wants to reassure the people of Cagayan and Isabela that their government is ready to assist them," the statement said.

Binay's live address will be rescheduled later this week.

In his highly anticipated address, Binay is expected to answer the allegations that he earned kickbacks from government projects when he was still the mayor of Makati City.

Binay and his son, Makati City Mayor Erwin "Junjun" Binay, are facing a plunder complaint in the Office of the Ombudsman over the allegedly overpriced construction of the Makati City Hall II parking building.

In the previous Senate hearings into the controversy, former Makati City officials accused the elder Binay of rigging public biddings for infrastructure projects in Makati City and earning 13 percent from each.

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

Binay and his family have repeatedly denied the allegations, saying these and the Senate investigation are politically motivated.

The vice president is expected to oversee the country this week since President Benigno Aquino III is visiting European countries and the United States.