VP Binay’s speech to be less combative during UNA launch —spokesman

Vice President Jejomar Binay will discuss the United Nationalist Alliance's plans in 2016 instead of criticizing the Aquino administration when he addresses the UNA's launch as an opposition party, a spokesman for the Vice President said on Wednesday.

Former Cainta Mayor Mon Ilagan said Binay’s speech will be “somewhat positive” as he is expected to discuss the party’s vision and plans for the country.

“VP Binay’s speech now will not be as fiery as before. I think the Vice President has raised the issues he wanted to raise after resigning from the Cabinet…. Medyo positive ang tema ng kanyang speech ngayon,” Ilagan told reporters before the launch.

However, Ilagan said it wouldn’t be a surprise if Binay mentions President Benigno Aquino III when he expresses his sentiments about the controversies currently being faced by his family.

He said the Vice President might also talk at length about their family’s decision to advise Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin “Junjun” Binay to temporarily step down from his post pursuant to the six-month preventive suspension order issued by the Office of the Ombudsman earlier this week.

“In the Vice President’s speech I’m sure madadaanan [‘yung tungkol sa nangyayari sa Makati ngayon]. He cannot avoid explaining the decision of the family [regarding Mayor Binay’s suspension]. The Vice President also can’t avoid saying some sentiments about what’s happening to his family now, as well as his sentiments about President Aquino and the Liberal Party,” Ilagan said.

Following his resignation from the Cabinet last week, Binay gave a scathing tirade of the Aquino administration in a televised speech at the Coconut Palace. He slammed the government for being a failure and callous.

Binay also said the President's allies are desperate to bring him down because they know his anointed candidates do not stand a chance in a clean and fair elections.

According to Ilagan, a mass oath-taking of members will take place at the launch. The officers of the national directorate will also be elected. -NB, GMA News