Binay justifies pricey Makati building

MANILA, Philippines - Vice President Jejomar Binay justified yesterday the construction of the allegedly overpriced building at the Makati city hall.

He said it is only logical for Makati to construct a beautiful government office.

“Makati has the funds. It is a government office, not a parking building. There are only parts, just a few floors. It is a government office. Because of the luxury of space, if you go there, there is a need for a parking space. I repeat, it is not a parking building. There is a portion, but basically, it is an office,” Binay said.

He said the charges filed against him and his son, Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin Binay Jr., are politically motivated. He said while his detractors will not stop filing different cases, “we can show them that there is no basis.”

Binay welcomed the investigation that will be conducted by the Senate.

“We will be able to prove to the Lord and the people that it is not true and it has no basis,” he said.

The Vice President said the Commission on Audit has scrutinized the project and deemed it was not overpriced.

Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV, in calling for the Senate inquiry, alleged that the city government paid P2.4 billion for a building that should cost only P798.2 million, making it overpriced by P1.6 billion.