Binay: I am not running for senator

Makati City Mayor Jejomar Binay announced yesterday that he will not run for senator in next year’s elections because he is gearing for a "war by proxy" against President Arroyo and First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo’s "Leon Guerrero."

Binay is bracing for a mayoralty battle with Sen. Lito Lapid who is allegedly being fielded by Malacañang as a man who can beat him in next year’s local polls.

"The 2007 election in Makati is really a Binay-Arroyo fight. The Arroyos did not succeed in getting me out of office through a suspension order so they will definitely use all their resources for their local candidate," he said.

Binay issued the statement after a Pulse Asia opinion poll showed that he has a fair chance of winning if he runs for senator in next year’s May elections.

He said the present administration will definitely provide their proxy candidate all the resources at their disposal but "they can use all their money and their resources for cheating. But we will be ready."

Binay vowed to work hard to show his gratitude for the backing his constituents gave him for the past years.

"They have been with me all through the years, particularly during the three days in October when they trooped to City Hall to protest my unjust suspension by Malacañang. I have no intention of abandoning them."