VP’s rights will be protected – Palace

MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang reiterated yesterday the assurance of President Aquino that the rights of Vice President Jejomar Binay would be protected in all the investigations being conducted on corruption accusations hurled against him and his family.

Presdential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said that during the recent meeting of the President and Binay, the Vice President pledged his support to Aquino until his term ends, while the Chief Executive guaranteed fair and due process for Binay.

Aquino revealed last Monday that he rejected Binay’s request for him to intercede and persuade his allies in the Senate to go slow on their investigation on the Vice President and his family’s alleged ill-gotten wealth.

“Tinanong niya (Binay) ako if I (can) talk to some of the allies in the Senate. Sabi ko, kako, pakitanong mo na lang sa anak mo: Iyung Senado (I said ask your daughter Sen. Nancy, because the Senate) is known for being 24 independent republics,” Aquino told journalists in Palo, Leyte during the commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the Leyte Gulf Landing in Tacloban City.

Aquino pointed out to Binay that the ombudsman has primary jurisdiction.

During the course of the meeting, the Chief Executive likewise related that both of them have reached the point of “reminiscing about the olden times.”

But Aquino assured Binay that all his rights will be protected and he will be given due process.

“We will not countenance anybody manufacturing evidence against you,” Aquino added.

“We will try to keep all the processes on a very professional level,” Aquino said.