Binay to address corruption issue today

MANILA, Philippines - Vice President Jejomar Binay faces the Filipino people today to straighten out allegations made at the Senate that he was involved in corrupt transactions, particularly the alleged overpriced annex building of the Makati City Hall, when he was mayor.

He will hold a press conference at 2 p.m. today at the second floor of the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City.

Speaking to reporters at the sidelines of the Mining Philippines 2014 conference and exhibition at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza in Pasay City, Binay said the attacks against him and his family arose from his consistently high ratings in various surveys and his declaration to run for president in 2016.

The attacks were undertaken through former Makati vice mayor Ernesto Mercado and “other attack dogs,” he added.

Binay said Mercado and the “other attack dogs”  wanted to be in the limelight at his expense.

“That is what they are looking for: That I be asked and then talk about them,” he said.

Binay said he was not worried that militant groups had rallied in front of Sofitel to ask him to face the Senate investigation.

“It is their right,” he said.

“It (freedom of speech) is enshrined in the Constitution. It is their right to rally. That is what I am fighting for before. But whatever step I will take, I will be the one to decide.”   

Ybanag country

Binay sought refuge and strength in Ybanag country on Monday and Tuesday.

Speaking in their native language, Binay rallied cheering crowds of Ybanags in Cagayan and Isabela to his side.

“Do not believe what my detractors are sowing in Metro Manila, they are just afraid because they know I am leading the race for the presidency,” he said.

Binay’s mother, Lourdes Gatan Cabauatan, a retired schoolteacher, was an Ybanag. She was born in Cabagan, Isabela.

Joining the Ybanags in a “boodle fight,” Binay ate lunch with his hands in the capital city of Ilagan, Isabela.

Ilagan City Mayor Jose Marie Diaz introduced Binay as “the next president of the Republic.”

Binay in turn ribbed Diaz that he is the latest addition to mayors in Cagayan province as the local chapter leader of C.S.B:  “Certified Sipsip kay Binay.”

Diaz in response said Binay will soon move from VP to MVP – “Most Valuable President.”

Binay said he feels at home in the north because he has a lot of “cousins” or “kasin-itim” (fellow dark skinned).

He had no regrets that declaring his presidential candidacy early has resulted in a continuing “demolition job,” he added.

Binay said he prefers to gather moral strength in Cagayan Valley than waste his time refuting the allegations of his political enemies.

Accompanying Binay in his sorties were Cagayan Gov. Alvaro Antonio, Isabela Gov. Faustino Dy III, Vice Gov. Tony Pet Albano and Cabagan Mayor Rodolfo Albano Jr. 

Friendship with Aquino

Binay said yesterday his friendship with President   Aquino and the Aquino family has no ending.

“For me and the President, politics is always set aside,” he said.

“We are friends. We bet our lives for each other. There is a time for politics and there is a time for our friendship. I have no worry.” 

Binay said his friendship with the Aquino family is built on solid foundation, dating back to when he was still a human rights lawyer and Aquino’s mother was president. – With Raymund Catindig, Edu Punay