VP Binay to appeal ‘politically motivated’ Ombudsman decision

Vice President Jejomar Binay on Tuesday said he would appeal the Office of the Ombudsman's decision finding probable cause to file charges against him in connection with the alleged anomalous construction of the Makati City Hall Building II during his term as Makati mayor.

Binay, who believes the Ombudsman's move was politically motivated, also questioned his inclusion in the indictment order, since the Ombudsman would have to wait for his term to end before charges could be filed against him. As vice president, Binay has immunity from suit.

"Bakit naman ho sinama pa ako sa resolution [samantalang] alam naman ho nilang mayroon akong immunity?" said Binay, the opposition's standard bearer in the 2016 elections.

The Ombudsman announced its decision on Monday, the same day Binay filed his certificate of candidacy for president alongside with his running mate, Sen. Gringo Honasan, with the Commission on Elections.

In its order, the Ombudsman said Binay and his son, dismissed Makati mayor Junjun Binay, as well as 22 other Makati City Hall officials, should be charged with graft, malversation and falsification of public documents before the Sandiganbayan over the allegedly overpriced construction of the Makati City Hall Building II.

Coalition denies admin's hand in charges

Meanwhile, the Liberal Party-led Koalisyon ng Daang Matuwid has denied the involvement of the Aquino administration in the Ombudsman’s decision.

Akbayan party-list Rep. Ibarra Gutierrez III, a coalition spokesperson, said Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales observed due process in deciding on the merits of the Binays’ case.

“Malinaw na malinaw na Ombudsman ay very independent. She was a very well respected member of the Supreme Court before becoming the Ombudsman. Malinaw na malinaw na ang kanyang dinaanang proseso ay nakabatay sa paga-assess ng ebidensya laban kay Vice President Binay at Mayor Junjun,” he told reporters in a press conference.

“Absolutely walang kinalaman ang executive branch sa usaping ‘yan, much less any party that’s affiliated with the administration,” Gutierrez added.

Marikina City Rep. Romero Federico Quimbo, another spokesperson for the LP-led coalition, said the ruling party will not resort to underhanded means to ensure the victory of its standard bearer, Manuel “Mar” Roxas II.

“Ang aming mabigat na paniniwala ay mananalo si Sec. Mar base sa kanyang lakas at kwalipikasyon, hindi dahil sa kahinaan ng kanyang mga kalaban,” he said.

"Ministerial"

Maintaining that he was not involved in any anomaly, Binay said as mayor, it was purely "ministerial" on his part to sign documents pertinent to projects.

"Hindi ko raw ni-review ang mga papeles, hindi ko man lamang tiningnan. Hindi ko ho trabaho 'yon," he said.

He added this was the reason why he was always at odds with the Commission on Audit (COA) when he was mayor of Makati.

"Noong ako ay mayor, lagi na lamang ako umaangal sa COA. 'Bakit ba ho lagi na lang kami kailangang pumirma? E ministerial lang naman 'yan. E 'yan ang nagiging dahilan ng pagka-kaso mo.' Pero wala naman sa resolution, hindi naman pinakita doon na sinabing nakinabang ako roon," Binay said.

Binay and Benhur in Mandaluyong

On Tuesday, Binay went to Mandaluyong City and met with Mayor Benhur Abalos. The two visited a school for special children and handed out bags to kids.

According to organizers of the activity, the bags came from the office of Senator Nancy Binay, the vice president's daughter.

Binay also led a boodle fight after the program.

Asked why his activities should not be seen as premature campaigning now that he is an official candidate for the presidential post, Binay said: "Wala naman akong sinasabing iboto ho ninyo ako. Wala akong sinasabing ganoon."

Abalos was also quick to explain the purpose of the scheduled activities: "There is no campaigning here na premature. Walang sinasabing vote ganyan, ganyan, wala ha. They just toured the school and just like Filipino hospitality, kumain kami." —with Xianne Arcangel/KBK, GMA News