PNoy defends Purisima anew, leaves VP Binay to fend for himself

President Benigno Aquino III once again defended Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Alan Purisima from allegations of amassing hidden wealth.

Vice President Jejomar Binay, who is also being accused of corruption, however did not get the same treatment from Aquino. The President instead said Binay can defend himself.

In an interview in Indonesia, Aquino said accusations against Purisima do not seem to be supported by sufficient evidence.

"Maganda sana may specific allegation na kumpleto. Hindi iyong kaagad guilty. Guilty ka na dahil may nag-accuse. 'Yung accusation, parang bitin," the President told reporters after a democracy forum in Bali.

He also commended Purisima for opening his controversial vacation house in Nueva Ecija to the media.

"Natuwa ako noong sinama niya lahat sa bahay niya sa Nueva Ecija. Iyon, gawain ng tao na hindi nagtatago," Aquino said.

Purisima is facing plunder and graft complaints before the Office of the Ombudsman in connection with his supposed mansion in Nueva Ecija and alleged anomalies in the renovation of the PNP chief's official quarters in Camp Crame.

Last Monday, Purisima allowed the media to tour his Nueva Ecija house. During the tour of the controversial property, the PNP chief's cousin, lawyer Toby Purisima, maintained that the house — which has a gazebo and a swimming pool — was just "ordinary" and not a luxury mansion.

Aquino had also earlier vouched for Purisima's good character, saying the PNP chief is not greedy nor does he live a luxurious lifestyle.

The President has known Purisima since 1987, when the PNP chief was a member of the Presidential Security Group during the adminstration of President Corazon Aquino.

'Binay knows what to do'

Aquino, however, was not as straightforward in defending Vice President Binay.

"He [Binay] is an astute politician. He is a lawyer. He is older. He should know what should be done," the President said in the same interview when asked about accusations against Binay.

Aquino nevertheless said that he is satisfied with Binay's performance as chairman of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC).

Last Tuesday, former Makati Vice Mayor Mercado accused Binay of owning a P1.2-billion "hacienda" in Batangas.

The vice president is also facing plunder charges filed by private individuals before the Office of the Ombudsman over the allegedly overpriced P2.7-billion Makati City Hall Building II, which was built in 2007 when Binay was still the city's mayor.

Binay, a close friend of the Aquinos, has repeatedly said that the allegations against him were politically motivated.

Binay is the prospective presidential bet of the opposition United Nationalist Alliance (UNA), which is seen as the main contender of the Aquino-chaired Liberal Party in the 2016 polls. — JDS, GMA News