Makati mayoral candidate Abby Binay sheds tears, sings song at rally

Makati mayoralty candidate and the city's 2nd District Representative Abigail "Abby" Binay became emotional during Monday evening's proclamation rally as she narrated how her father, Vice President Jejomar Binay, loved the city.

"Karugtong kayo ng buhay ni Jojo Binay," said the tearful congresswoman. "Nakita ko kung gaano kalaki ang pagmamahal niya sa inyong lahat. Mula sa unang araw na siya ay nanungkulan hanggang sa araw na ito, walang nagbago, walang nabawas sa pagmamahal niya sa Makati at pagmamahal niya sa inyo. Kahit saan siya pumunta, anuman ang sabihin ng iba, ang Makati at ang pamilya Binay ay iisa."

"Ikinararangal kong maging anak ni Jojo Binay dahil siya ang sandigan ng serbisyong tunay," the Makati representative added with tears in her eyes.

Rep. Binay's husband, Luis Campos, who is running for Congress, and vice mayoralty candidate Rep. Monique Lagdameo were also seen wiping away tears during the speech.

After her address, Rep. Binay was able to compose herself enough to sing "Paano Kita Mapasasalamatan", which she dedicated to her father. VP Binay eventually joined her in the song.

In an interview after the proclamation rally, Vice President Binay said he was "very, very proud" of his daughter whom he described as his "favorite child."

Dynasty

Rep. Binay later explained that she had wanted to retire from politics to take care of her children, but she changed her mind.

On the issue of political dynasty, Rep. Binay said the matter should be decided on by the electorate. "Kaya sinasabi ko ang apelidong Binay, it's both a blessing and a curse. Blessing yan kasi alam nilang mayroon na kaming naigawa, pero maraming may ayaw sa mga Binay," she said.

She added that the people should look beyond the last name and, and instead focus on a candidate's performance.

"Kung nakapagsilbi na siya, kung nakapagpatunay na siya, dun natin tingnan. Kaya at the end of the day, ang mga tao ang boboto dun sa dapat. You get the leaders you deserve because you vote for them," she added

She further argued that discussions on political dynasties had been going on for so long that "it's high time we put it aside." — DVM, GMA News