Siblings Abby, Junjun Binay lose their cool at debate

Siblings Abby and Junjun Binay, both vying for the mayoral post in Makati, had a heated argument during an election debate on Saturday.

According to a report by Dano Tingcungco in GMA's 24 Oras Weekend on Sunday, the quarrel started after Abby delivered her speech.

"Ako'y nakikiusap sa aking kapwa kandidato, tigilan na ang pagkakalat ng kasinungalingan, pagyuyurak sa aking pagkatao at sa pagkatao ng aking asawa. Hindi kayo mananalo sa pagsisira niyo sa akin," she said.

A few moments after she returned to her seat at the stage next to her brother Junjun, they were already seen arguing. At one point, Junjun bowed down before Abby.

The Binay patriarch, former Vice President Jejomar, stepped in and tried to appease the siblings.

When it was Junjun's turn to hold the microphone, he said: "Pinandidilatan po ako ng kapatid ko."

Abby said that that she took a verbal swipe at Junjun for dragging the name of her husband, Makati Representative Luis Campos, during the Q&A portion of the forum.

"He didn't even try to answer that question. Papaano malulutas ang issue sa droga kung ang isang local official, ang security ng local official ay nakikipag-inuman sa isang drug lord?" Abby recounted.

In a separate interview, Junjun denied doing so.

"Nandoon din sa video na wala akong binabanggit na kahit sinong pangalan nung nagsalita ako. I don't know, siguro masyadong mataas lang 'yung emotions niya kanina kaya nung pagbalik niya pinagsisigawan na niya ako," Junjun said.

Other candidates running for Makati mayor—Renato Bondal, Wilfredo Talag, and Ricky Yabut—were also at the event organized by the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting.

"We're pretty disgusted that the family that has been here, supposedly leading the city for the last 33 years could do such a crazy stunt like that. They don't project any sort of dignity," Yabut said.

Bondal, on the other hand, said the incident was saddening. He added that he hopes the political tension could be lessened so that supporters will not do the same.

GMA News has reached out to Talag and to Love Alanzalon, who was not able to attend the debate, for comment. — Dona Magsino/BM, GMA News