Performance better than debate – UNA

MANILA, Philippines - Vice President Jejomar Binay’s decision to back out of a debate with Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV would not affect his credibility nor his chances of winning the presidential elections in 2016.

This is the view of Navotas Rep. Toby Tiangco and political analyst Ramon Casiple.

Tiangco, interim United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) president, said people would appreciate Binay more if he would do his job instead of attending a debate.

“I think the Filipino people want to see a vice president who is doing his job to make their lives better,” Tiangco said in Filipino. “The reason why VP Binay has the highest approval rating is because the people appreciate his work.”

In a text message to The STAR, Casiple said he agreed that Binay’s withdrawal would not affect his chances in 2016.

“There is no lasting impact. 2016 is too far away,” he said.

Tiangco said a majority of Filipinos remain appreciative of Binay’s work, particularly in providing low-cost housing for the poor and in assisting distressed overseas Filipino workers.

“So if we talk about the debate, I don’t think it (backing out of the debate) will become the basis of the people in judging the Vice President.”

Tiangco said Binay was really determined to face Trillanes on Nov. 27 as of Monday night despite opposition from his advisers, including him.

“From the start, I was against the debate,” he said.