Binay sees arrest scenario to disqualify him

MANILA, Philippines - Vice President Jejomar Binay revealed yesterday what he described as a sinister plan to send him to jail before the elections next year.

He expects that a case would be filed against him before the Sandiganbayan and a warrant of arrest issued after he files his certificate of candidacy this month, he said during a roundtable discussion with STAR editors, columnists and reporters.

“I have the feeling that they will do that, because if you notice the attacks against me are waning, or as they call it, ‘calm before the storm,’” he said.

“I have the feeling that the demolition by perception will resume either before or after the filing of the COCs (certificates of candidacy).” 

He learned about the plan to jail him through a text message, Binay said.

If not in October, perhaps an arrest warrant would be issued by January or March, he added.

Binay is facing three plunder complaints before the Office of the Ombudsman for supposed anomalies when he was mayor of Makati City.

Of the three plunder complaints filed against him by his former allies, Binay said he expects the one involving the alleged overpriced Makati City Hall parking building to be elevated to the Sandiganbayan.

The alleged overpriced building, which was constructed during his term as mayor of Makati, is the subject of an ongoing Senate Blue Ribbon committee hearing.

With more than 20 hearings so far, the inquiry on the allegations against Binay is considered the longest in Senate history.

The same inquiry also dragged in his son Makati City Mayor Junjun Binay, who was later suspended by the ombudsman in connection with the alleged overpricing of the Makati City Science High School building.

The allegations against Binay have taken their toll on his ratings in presidential surveys.

Binay has strongly denied all allegations against him.