Binay son's camp slams 'tarp theft' by Mercado supporters

MANILA, Philippines - The camp of Makati mayoralty candidate Jejomar Erwin Binay asked the Commission on Elections (Comelec) yesterday to investigate reports that supporters of Vice Mayor Ernesto Mercado have been stealing tarpaulin posters and streamers featuring Binay and his candidates.

Binay’s spokesman, Lito Anzures, said known supporters of Mercado have been seen allegedly removing these posters installed at the homes of residents in several barangays. The materials were installed with the homeowners’ consent, he said.

Anzures said the camp of Mercado, who is also running for mayor, reportedly gives P300 for every Binay campaign material removed and brought to their headquarters.

“This is again evidence that Mercado is growing desperate. His ratings are not improving, so he is using all means to reverse certain defeat, no matter how childish it may be,” he said.

Anzures likewise denounced the alleged persistent use of black propaganda by the Mercado camp. He said the latest is their claim that the United Opposition (UNO) hired members of the Magdalo group as “guns for hire” to cause disorder in the city.

 “Their claim is an insult to the integrity of our soldiers, most of whom make up the voting population of the second district. But we find it alarming. They could be laying the groundwork for a terror plan in Makati which they intend to blame on us,” he said.

Anzures said Mercado earlier claimed he had his vehicle made bulletproof and beefed up his security force with “outsiders” from his home province of Nueva Ecija.

“The vice mayor has a very rich imagination but knowing his penchant for gimmicks, we will not be surprised if he gets involved in an ‘ambush me’ incident,” he said.

Mercado, on the other hand, said the Binays have directed the city engineering office and the public safety assistance office to remove his and his partymates’ campaign materials because these were posted “just anywhere.”

“The cleaning should not exclude anyone or any group,” he said.   – Sandy Araneta, Rhodina Villanueva