Drilon: Senate won't order VP Binay to attend carpark building probe

MANILA, Philippines - Senate President Franklin Drilon will not sign a subpoena compelling Vice President Jejomar Binay to attend the investigation of the allegedly overpriced Makati City Hall II parking building.

"As a matter of respect, I will not issue a subpoena. That is as respect to the office of the vice president," Drilon said in an interview with media on Monday.

The Senate Blue Ribbon sub-committee probing the controversy has officially invited Binay to attend the hearing on September 25.

In the recent hearings, former Makati City officials accused Binay of manipulating public biddings and pocketing 13-percent of every project as kickbacks.

Binay, who is facing a plunder complaint in the Office of the Ombudsman, has consistently denied benefiting from any government project.

He said the allegations are politically motivated to malign him and his family.

Binay had also criticized Sens. Alan Cayetano and Antonio Trillanes IV for their supposed unfairness and misdemeanor during the Senate hearings.

The vice president said he is ready to face the accusations in the proper forum.

He postponed, however, a scheduled live address on Monday afternoon to defend himself. Binay flew to Cagayan and Isabela this morning to personally asses the damage of Typhoon "Luis."