Binay: Ties with Noy unchanged

MANILA, Philippines - Vice President Jejomar Binay will not back out from the 2016 presidential race and he intends to stay with the Aquino Cabinet even if they belong to different political parties.

Speaking to reporters after joining the commemoration of Rizal Day yesterday with the President and Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada, Binay said he and Aquino are still on good terms.

“There is a saying – the thing speaks for itself. You can see how we laughed, right? Our ties remain unchanged from the time we met,” Binay said.

He said he would push through with his presidential bid even as he expects the attacks against him to escalate.

He said he had received a lot of criticisms when he ran for vice president and turning back now from the game would be a sign of cowardice.

Binay said he would stay with the Cabinet for as long as Aquino wants him there.

“We serve at the pleasure of the President,” he said.

He added that his detractors have only strengthened his resolve to run for president.

“There is no reason for me to turn back (from my presidential bid), as they say, once you set out to sea, there’s no turning back, especially now that I’m being falsely accused left and right.”

“If you will not push through with that then that would be another issue,” Binay said.

He maintained that attacks against him are politically motivated.