Jamias believes he has a strong case vs. VP Binay

Eastern Police District OIC Senior Superintendent Elmer Jamias said he believes he has a strong case against Vice President Jejomar Binay  given that there were witnesses to the confrontation they had during a political standoff in Makati City last June.

"It depends on the justice system, but as far as I am concerned, it will push through because I [saw] witness on the incident. Even you, mga media, nakaharap kayo nu'ng nangyari ang incident," Jamias told reporters.

The police official, who was recently promoted from being deputy director of the Southern Police District, added that the case is now under review at the National Capital Region Police Office.

"I already gave [a] sworn statement to the investigators. The Southern Police District endorsed it to the regional level for review," he said.

The case he filed against the Vice President includes direct assault and threat, he added.

He earlier said he would file oral defamation charges, assault upon person of authority, and physical injuries before the Office of the Ombudsman, in connection with his scuffle with Binay last June.

Binay berated Jamias after the police barred the family's supporters from entering the Makati City Hall compound while they were waiting for a second suspension order against Makati Mayor Junjun Binay to be served.

Sought for comment, Binay's spokesperon for political affairs Rico Quicho said Jamias is "trying to play the victim card."

"Senior Superintendent Jamias is trying to appear aggrieved when he is clearly not. His promotion is plain and simple reward for trampling upon the rights of Mayor Binay's supporters and kowtowing Sec. Roxas' whim," he said referring to Interior Sec. Mar Roxas.

The Vice President's children—Makati Mayor Junjun Binay and Senator Nancy Binay—have said it was Jamias' men who hurt some of their supporters who barricaded themselves inside the city hall in July.

Junjun Binay even urged the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) to investigate the alleged policemen involved in the scuffle. Reports said at least eight people, including five civilians and three police officers, were hurt in the incident.
 
"Bakit hindi magsalita ang CHR ngayon? Bakit hindi ipagtanggol ang mga tao na sinasaktan ng mga pulis? Sila na rin mismo dahil sila ang naagrabyado dito sa mga ginagawa ng mga pulis natin, talagang madaming pulis ang abusado at ayaw nating harapin ang problemang yan," he said.

'No fear'

Jamias said he is not afraid of pursuing the charges despite the possibility of Binay becoming the next president because he wants to prove that the law applies to all.

"They sent emissaries, pero I will not [back down] kasi ang gusto kong patunayan dito, sa pagtupad mo ng batas, walang mataas, walang mababa. Ipapatupad natin ang batas," he said. —Rose-An Jessica Dioquino with a report from Kathrina Charmaine Alvarez/NB, GMA