Noy: Binay has right to due process

BALI – President Aquino said yes- terday Vice President Jejomar Binay has the right to due process and can defend himself against allegations of corruption being hurled by whistle-blowers in the ongoing Senate inquiry.

Aquino said. He said he has not asked Binay to Aquino reiterated that he has no personal knowledge of the various cor- ruption allegations against Binay, even as he called on those who have personal knowledge of the issue to help “ferret out the truth.”

He said he could only intervene if there are new corruption allegations “accompanied with established facts” in connection with Binay’s work as Vice President.

He maintained that all he knows of the investigation on the dealings of Binay and members of his family are from snippets of the media coverage of the hearing.

He said he has no intention either of advising Binay to address the controver- sies surrounding him, as the latter is his “senior in public office” and age.

explain his side to him, as the alleged irregularities were committed when he was still the mayor of Makati City.

“He is entitled to due process, perhaps in a forum that is proper. I’m not saying that the Senate is not a proper forum but one of the forums available to him,”

“He is an astute politician; he’s a law- yer. He’s older. He should know what should be done. I will not be presump- tuous but I’ll (give him) the respect and courtesy due his office and as a friend. He will be the best judge as to what he has to do,” Aquino said.