Binay sues ex-Makati vice mayor for libel over corruption claims

MANILA, Philippines - For alleging that he had demanded expensive condominium units from developers in exchange for business permits and tax concessions, Vice President Jejomar Binay on Friday filed a complaint for libel before the Makati Prosecutors Office against former Makati vice mayor Ernesto Mercado.

In his complaint, Binay said Mercado on November 18 last year, had publicly imputed “criminal wrongdoings” against him in the investigation being conducted by the Senate’s Subcommittee on Public Accountability and Investigations.

Binay said Mercado made a presentation that was covered by broadcast media. Binay said in the presentation, he was accused by Mercado of allegedly engaging in a “system of corruption” in exchange for taxes and building permits.

Binay added that Mercado’s allegation was also carried by the Philippine Daily Inquirer in the article “Only Ayalas didn’t give Binay condos” which was published in November 19 last year.

“The afore-quoted libelous statement made by respondent Mercado, which were aired in several radio and television programs across the country and thereafter quoted and published in several newspapers such as the Philippine Daily Inquirer have likewise imputed on me vices and defects, which caused me dishonor, discredit and contempt,” said Binay in his complaint.

“Respondent Mercado has not presented any credible and admissible evidence to support or corroborate his bare allegation that I allegedly receive condo units in exchange for building permits and tax concessions,” Binay added.

Binay also said that Ariel Olivar, whom Mercado had accused of allegedly being the vice president’s “dummy” to hide his alleged ownership of a unit in The Peak Tower condominium, had admitted that he received his instructions from Mercado.

Binay, in his complaint, added that Mercado’s accusation that condomimium units were given to him and members of the Binay family in exchange for business or tax concessions, was also belied by statements issued by SM Development Corp., Megaworld Corp., Robinsons Land Corp., Rockwell Land Corp. and Eton Properties.

“Clear from the foregoing is that the damaging and ruinous claims spewed out by respondent Mercado are mere concoctions and fabrications with no other purpose than to malign, discredit, ruin my reputation and besmirch my good name as well as that of my family,” he said.

Binay also said Mercado had also maligned his name and reputation after he declined to endorse his (Mercado’s) candidacy in the 2010 Makati mayoralty race and instead supported the mayoralty bid of his son Jejomar Erwin “Junjun” Binay.

“Respondent Mercado aspired to be Mayor of Makati City in the May 2010 elections, and was relying heavily on my endorsement. I incurred the ire of respondent Mercado when I did not endorse his candidacy for Mayor of Makati City,” he said.

“Worse, the political party of which I was a member decided to field my son, Jejomar Erwin S. Binay Jr., which respondent Mercado further considered a personal affront I further committed. Worst, respondent Mercado not only lost the mayoralty race by a landslide vote, he also suffered substantial financial losses due to his failed bid,” Binay added.

For his part, Claro Certeza, Binay’s lawyer said the series of libel complaints being filed by the vice president shows “his commitment to answer and refute the accusations against him in the proper forum in accordance with the rule of law.”