MANILA, Philippines - Makati Mayor Jejomar Ewin "Junjun" Binay spent Wednesday night at the Makati City Hall after the Office of the Ombudsman ordered a six-month preventive suspension for him.
The Makati Mayor defied the court order, claiming that it was all part of a political ploy against his father Vice President Jejomar Binay who is eyeing the presidency for the 2016 elections.
"We stand firm that this is all part of 'Operation Nognog' and this is really politically motivated. It's all about the 2016 election," the younger Binay said in a press conference on Thursday morning.
Junjun earlier noted that there was apparent haste in the issuance of the preventive suspension order.
READ: Junjun bemoans ‘special treatment’
The Makati Mayor filed a petition for a temporary restraining order and refused to leave his office at the city hall.
"Hangga't kailangan kami manatili dito hindi kami aalis... because we filed a petition for certiorari at hinahabol nga natin dito is to get a restraining order. 'Pagka umalis dito parang binigay na lang natin 'to," Junjun told members of the press.
He also expressed his worry that a member of the Liberal Party would took his place once the suspension order is served.
"Hindi namin hahayaan na because of the suspension order ay ang pauupuin dito ay isa na namang member ng Liberal Party. Halatang-halata na yung ginagawa nila dito," Junjun said.
The younger Binay noted that there was no need for him to be suspended in connection to the allegedly overpriced Makati City Hall parking building as he was not yet the Mayor at the time of the construction project.
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