VP Binay takes swipe at PNoy admin during kickoff rally

Vice President Jejomar Binay on Tuesday took a swipe at the six years of President Benigno Aquino III's administration as he presented before the public his platform in Mandaluyong during the start of the campaign period.

Binay, the standard bearer of the opposition party United Nationalist Alliance (UNA), began his speech by greeting guests, senatorial candidates, and his fellow "nognog at pandak," saying he chose to be with ordinary people for the kickoff rally because he knows and feels their thirst for meaningful change.

"Pagbabago tungo sa isang Pilipinas na pinagsasaluhan at tinatamasa ang pag-unlad. Hindi lamang ng iilang mayayaman kundi lahat ng Filipino, lalo na ng mga mahihirap. Pagbabago tungo sa isang pamahalaang taimtim na nakikinig, kumikilos nang mabilis at naglilingod nang tapat sa bawat mamamayan," he said.

He added that the Aquino administration, of which he was part until his resignation from the Cabinet last year, had failed to deliver on its promise to eradicate poverty in six years.

"Malapit nang matapos ang anim na taon, ngunit imbes na mawala o mabawasan man lang, mas lalo pang dumami ang mahihirap," Binay said.

He added that amid the economic growth being announced by the administration, many people still have no work, are still poor, cannot afford school and medicines, and are oftentimes hungry.

"Ito ang tunay at masaklap na kalagayan ng ating bansa noon pa man at hanggang ngayon. Hindi ba’t nakakalungkot isipin na kung sino pa ang gumagawa ng mga matatayog na gusali at mararangyang mansyon siya pa ang walang tahanan, kung sino pa ang bumubuhay at nagtataguyod ng ating industriya, siya pa ang binubuwisan nang malaki at walang katiyakan sa trabaho, kung sino pa ang kapos at nangangailangan, siya pa ang pinagkakaitan ng serbisyo ng pamahalaan," said Binay.

He enumerated the hardships ordinary Filipinos are experiencing, such as rampant criminality, long lines to get government services, damaged relief goods, and lack of water and comfort rooms.

He said four things must be done for the Filipino people to feel the comfort they have not experienced under the Aquino administration: education, healthcare services for the poor, continuation of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), and removal of income tax for those earning P30,000 and below.

Free books, hospitalization

Binay said if elected, he will make sure that 20 million students in public schools will receive free books, uniforms, and schools supplies.

Binay added that he will forge partnerships between local governments and the private sector for the free hospitalization of indigent patients.

He said he will not only continue the 4Ps — the centerpiece anti-poverty program of the administration — but will expand it to include those aged 60 to 64.

He defended the idea of lowering the income tax, saying it would not bankrupt the government.

Senatorial bets

Three large LED screens were set up along Nueve de Pebrero Street in Mandaluyong City for the program. Hours before the kickoff rally of the tandem and their senatorial candidates was set to start, supporters gathered early to fill up the stretch of Martinez Street in Mandaluyong City.

The event officially started when hosts Bobby Yan and Erwin Maceda, son of the former Senate President Ernesto Maceda, called on stage UNA’s senatorial candidates.

Present were Princess Jacel Kiram, broadcaster Rey Langit, labor lawyer Allan Montaño, Paranaque Councilor Alma Moreno, Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao, former Special Action Force chief Director Getulio Napeñas and Martin Romualdez.

Guest candidate former Sen. Richard Gordon was represented by his wife, former Olongapo Mayor Kate Gordon, while former television personality Audrey Zubiri represented her husband, former Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri.

Guest candidate Susan Ople also went to the kickoff but she spoke before the crowd even before the rally formally started.

Of the senatorial candidates, Pacquiao received the loudest applause with people chanting, “Manny! Manny!”

Binay and his running mate Gringo Honasan, both wearing blue shirts and pants, separately arrived around 4:45 pm. They were immediately mobbed by their supporters.

The Vice President raised the hands of the candidates one by one.

Entertainers present

Among those who provided entertainment to the crowd were singers Rita Daniela and Faith Cuneta.

Moreno’s children Winwyn and VJ also performed a dance number before their mother’s speech. Actor Vandolph and other children of Moreno were called to the stage to greet the crowd.

Honasan’s daugther Kai and daughter-in-law Barbie Almabis performed a song number before the speech of the senator.

Comedienne Ai-Ai de las Alas also performed a song number. She said she is doing it without any talent fee because Binay is her friend.

“Wala akong talent fee dito. Andito ako bilang kaibigan dahil noong December 30, 2014, noong namatayan ako ng ina, walang dumadalaw sa akin pero siya nagbigay ng oras para sa akin,” she said.

“Ang pagkakaibigan ay nasusukat hindi sa tagal ng panahon kundi kung kelan madilim ang oras,” added Delas Alas.

During her song number, Delas Alas was able to have Binay, Honasan, and Pacquiao dance with her. —KBK/JST, GMA News