Butz to challenge Binays in Makati

MANILA, Philippines - Former senator and congressman Agapito “Butz” Aquino is challenging the Binays for Makati City’s top post.

Aquino, brother of slain former senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr., filed his candidacy for mayor of Makati City last Dec. 1.

Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay has fielded his son, Councilor Jejomar Binay Jr., as his candidate for mayor. The Binay family is close to former President Corazon Aquino, Ninoy's widow, and their children.

Butz said he is banking on his record in public service and continuing involvement in the cooperative movement to help him win the top elective position in Makati City.

He was twice elected as senator, the second term of which ended in 1995. He also served as congressman of the second district of Makati for three terms, from 1998 to 2007.

“I am confident that the people of Makati remember and appreciate the work I have done in both the Senate and the House. I know that I can fully serve the needs of the poor and meet the expectations of the business community,” he said.

After completing his tenure in the legislature, Butz worked for the cooperative movement, an advocacy he began in the Senate when he pushed for the passage of the Cooperative Code of the Philippines or Republic Act 6938, which became law in 1990.

Aquino was elected chairman of the Cooperative Center in the Philippines. He is also serving in concurrent capacity as chairman emeritus of the National Cooperatives Movement.