Guingona: VP Binay wasted opportunity to air his side

MANILA, Philippines - Sen. Teofisto Guingona III was disappointed with Vice President Jejomar Binay's absence at the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing on Thursday.

During the televised hearing, Guingona expressed his regret over Binay's failure to attend the Senate probe despite the Blue Ribbon Committee's assurance that he will be treated with respect and fairness.

"Sayang sana itong panahon. This would have been the proper time and forum so that the issues surrounding this controversy would have been properly ventilated," Guingona, committee chair, said.

Guingona said Binay wasted an opportunity to air his side to the public.

"Nakakalungkot dahil hindi rin binigyan ni bise presidente ng pagkakataon ang publiko na madinig ang panig niya upang makabuo sila ng sarili nilang pananaw at konklusyon sa mga isyung ito," he said.

After delivering his statement, Guingona adjourned the hearing of the mother committee to pave way for the proceedings of the sub-committee.

Guingona invited Binay to attend Thursday's hearing, but the latter opted to visit Cebu for some official engagements.