Ex-VP Binay on Abby-Junjun bids for Makati mayorship: Let people decide

Former Vice President Jejomar Binay has chosen not to pick who between his two children, Junjun and Abby, will run for mayor in the May 2019 elections, saying he is leaving it up to Makati City voters to decide.

Both Junjun and Abby have made up their minds to run for mayor of Makati City. Junjun was the city's mayor from 2010 to 2015, while Abby is the incumbent mayor.

"Nirerespeto ko ang desisyon nilang kumandidato bilang punong-lungsod ng Makati. Si Abby bilang kandidato ng United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) at si Junjun bilang kandidato ng Una ang Makati (UAM), isang local party. Hindi ako ang magpapasya kung sino sa kanila ang karapat-dapat na maging punong-lungsod. Ang magpapasya nyan ay ang mga mamamayan ng Makati," Binay said in a statement issued on Monday.

The former Vice President said both Junjun and Abby have shown they have the ability and experience to serve in government.

"Kapwa rin sila may malasakit at tumutulong sa mga mamamayan ng Makati," he added.

Binay said that since both Junjun and Abby are of age, the most that he can do is to advise them.

"Hindi ako ang tipo ng magulang na nagdidikta sa buhay ng kanyang mga anak lalo na’t sila ay may sarili nang pag-iisip," he said.

Binay said they have agreed that in the course of the campaign, the candidates will just talk about their platform and plans for Makati City.

"Nagkasundo kami na sa kanilang pangangampanya, ang plataporma at mga plano para sa mga taga-Makati ang syang tatalakayin lamang," he said.

Binay added that both his children have promised to talk to their leaders and supporters to maintain peace and not resort to dirty tactics.

"Sasabihan nila ang kanilang mga lider at taga-suporta na maging marangal at mahinahon. Iiwasan ang mga masasakit na pananalita, at gagawing positibo at matiwasay ang ating pangangampanya," he said.

"Ipapakita namin na ang Makati ay magiging modelo ng marangal at malinis na halalan," Binay said.

The former Vice President, who was also mayor of Makati City before, said that regardless of who wins the mayorship of Makati City, their family will remain united and will continue their public service.

"Anuman ang maging resulta ng eleksyon sa Mayo 2019, ang matitiyak namin ay magpapatuloy ang Serbisyong Binay para sa mga taga-Makati. At anuman ang maging resulta ng eleksyon, isang pamilya pa rin kami na hindi maaaring paghiwalayin at sirain ng pulitika," Binay said. —KG, GMA News