PDP-Laban sees sweep in Makati

The ruling Partido ng Demokratikong Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) in Makati predicted yesterday a shutout of the local opposition in the May 14 elections, saying the people of Makati will again judge the candidates based on performance, track record and integrity, and not "hypocrisy, showbiz popularity, and posturing of self-righteousness."

Jejomar Binay, the leading mayoral candidate, said the Makati opposition does not have a comprehensive program of government, and is instead waging "a campaign of lies and character assassination."

"Sadly, those who claim to advocate new politics here in Makati are waging an election campaign based on lies and character assassination. In fact, they have already started their disinformation campaign, but the people of Makati know the difference between performance and puro porma lang," he said.

Binay accused the local opposition of running a "negative campaign" in Makati. "We are prepared to match them with solid and irrefutable accomplishments and a concrete program of government," he said.

Because of reforms introduced by Binay in 1986, Makati recovered from years of debt, and has been posting surpluses in its budget since 1987. The city has been cited by local and international agencies for its innovative programs in health, education, and social services.

Makati public school students have been topping the NEAT and NSAT, and the city’s health program has been cited by the World Bank, the Department of Health (DOH) and other local and international agencies.

Binay filed his certificate of candidacy yesterday, together with the PDP-Laban ticket in Makati. They were welcomed at the Makati office of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) by hundreds of supporters waving yellow handkerchiefs.

Nestor Mercado, a two-term councilor and president of Kasanib Foundation, Makati’s biggest non-government organization (NGO), is the party’s candidate for vice mayor.

Newspaper publisher and journalist Teodoro "Teddy Boy" Locsin is running as representative for the first-district of Makati, while incumbent Rep. Agapito "Butz" Aquino is running for re-election in the second district as guest candidate of the PDP-Laban.

The party’s candidate for the city council are Oscar Ibay; Ricardo Javier; Romeo Medina; Ferdinand Eusebio; Rico Puno; Jejomar Binay Jr.; Erlinda Gonzales; and Francisco Lichauco for the first district.

For the second district, the candidates are Johnny Wilson; Salvador Pangilinan; Nelson Pasia; Liberato Siaron; Divina Jacome; Astolfo Pimentel; Elias Tolentino; and Israel "Boyet" Cruzado.

A respected human rights lawyer and 1986 EDSA stalwart, Binay was named officer-in-charge of Makati in 1986 by former President Corazon Aquino. He was twice re-elected as mayor and during his term, Makati became a city in 1995.