Amid allegations of corruption, VP Binay to air three ads

Three advertisements featuring Vice President Jejomar Binay are set to be released soon, United Nationalist Alliance interim president and Navotas City Rep. Tobias “Toby” Tiangco confirmed on Wednesday.

 

But while the ads are ready for airing, Tiangco said they remained under wraps because UNA was still looking for funds for their airing.

 

“Definitely, we have prepared the ads. I was one of those who viewed and approved its final version. When we get the funding for it, it’s ready for airing. The task now is to look for funding. As soon as we have the funds, we will air the ads,” he told reporters.

 

Tiangco said UNA is talking with private individuals to seek funding for Binay’s ads. He denied the commercials would be paid for using government funds.

 

Caloocan City Rep. Edgar Erice, a Liberal Party stalwart, earlier said Binay’s camp was planning to air advertisements to arrest the slide in his ratings.

 

The Vice President’s ratings in recent surveys have dipped due to the allegations of corruption he is facing over the alleged overpriced construction of the Makati City Hall Building II and his purported ownership of pricey pieces of property in Cavite and Batangas. Binay has denied these accusations.

 

The Caloocan City lawmaker said UNA has booked ad spots in television networks for the airing of Binay’s commercials.

 

Erice described UNA’s impending airing of Binay’s ads as an “act of desperation” since the campaign period was still far off.

 

He said the Vice President should show up in the Senate and answer the allegations against him instead of airing TV ads.

 

“Mas credible ‘yung Senate Blue Ribbon committee kaysa nakatayo ka mag-isa na nagpapaliwanag. Para ‘yung boxing na walang opponent eh. Hindi niya hinaharap eh, bahag ang kanyang buntot sa pagharap sa Senado,” he said.

 

Earlier in the day, the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee formally invited Binay to attend the next hearing on the allegedly overpriced building on November 6. —NB, GMA News