Binay son takes oath before Chiz

MANILA, Philippines - Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin Binay took his oath of office before Sen. Francis Escudero yesterday and vowed to continue the good programs left by his father, incoming vice president Jejomar Binay.

“It is a challenge for me to continue the legacy of my father, but it doesn’t mean that I am dependent on him. He told me, ‘You are the mayor and that is your leadership,’” the younger Binay said. 

Binay garnered a total of 125,664 votes over his closest rival, outgoing Vice Mayor Ernesto Mercado, who got 80,151 votes. 

He said he is fortunate that he has a father “whom I could always consult for advice.” The elder Binay served as mayor for 21 years since his appointment as Makati’s officer in charge (OIC) in 1986 by then President Corazon Aquino.

He ran for his third and last term as mayor in 2007, where he also won by a landslide.      

During his term as mayor, the elder Binay implemented various programs such as free hospital care and education; livelihood programs; and granting more benefits for senior citizens and persons with disabilities, including free admission into theaters in Makati.

The younger Binay said he has a lineup of programs, including a one-stop shop for transactions with the city government.

“We have many things in the lineup but I hope the people will not expect that we can do it in first 100 days. We will first establish a system utilizing modern technology to speed up the processing of papers and transactions so we will create a separate office to deal with this,” Binay said.

Binay said the city government will also tie up with the Heart Center of the Philippines to ensure medical care for Makati residents when they seek treatment there. The city government is reportedly set to earmark P30 million for this program.

The elder Binay said he is confident his son is capable of leading the city. “I believed he is more than prepared to lead and succeed my position,” he said.

The young Binay served as chairman of the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) at the age of 15 and as councilor of the city’s first district.