MANILA, Philippines – The dark horse of the 2010 vice presidential elections is about to leave the podium.

Outgoing Vice President Jejomar Binay is stepping down on Thursday, June 30. He spent his last week in office behind the glare of cameras, working behind the scenes without the usual throng of reporters who trailed him in the past 6 years.

He just came from his toughest battle yet – the 2016 elections – where Binay’s childhood dream of becoming Philippine president slipped from his grasp.

He first took some time off the political spotlight between late May and early June, going on a family beach trip at the members-only resort Balesin and accompanying his grandchildren at the Philippine Toys, Hobbies, and Collectibles Convention.

Binay then continued performing his duties as Vice President, accepting courtesy calls from politicians and organizations.

On June 24, he sponsored a thanksgiving Mass for the staff at the Office of the Vice President. He prayed that they would continue serving the poor after he steps down from office.

Three days later, the Vice President witnessed his daughter Abigail Binay take her oath of office as Makati City mayor, the 4th Binay to hold the position in the last 3 decades. 

Later that afternoon, Binay went to the home of Vice President-elect Leni Robredo to personally congratulate her. 

On June 28, Binay tearfully hosted his last boodle fight with members of his security detail.  

The outgoing Vice President said he plans to return to his law firm Subido, Pagente, Certeza, Mendoza and Binay, and to possibly focus on building the JC Binay Foundation. 

Binay is ready to leave the vice presidency behind, but not the political life. 

“I have never left politics. Continuing political activities is part of my life,” he said.

The end of Binay’s vice presidency likewise marks the end of his immunity from suit. With plunder complaints against him still pending at the Office of the Ombudsman, the public can expect to see more of Binay in the years to come.

 – Rappler.com