Binay: LP-UNA alliance still ‘possible’

MANILA, Philippines – Vice President Jejomar Binay is insisting that a coalition with the  Liberal Party (LP) remains “possible” even after the ruling party had practically shot down the idea.

“Sabi nga sa ‘yo, walang imposible sa pulitika. Lahat posible (I have said before, nothing is impossible in politics. Everything is possible),” he said in an interview on GMA News on Friday, August 9, after an awarding ceremony at Landbank Plaza in Manila. 

The Vice President was fielding questions on a possible alliance between the LP and the opposition United Nationalist Alliance (UNA), which was sparked by his earlier pronouncement that the LP was mulling over adopting him as its standard bearer in 2016, citing unnamed but “credible” sources.

LP stalwarts had scoffed at the idea as the work of “spin masters” and maintained that Interior Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas II would lead them in the 2016 polls, should Roxas accept the challenge.

Binay said in the interview that so far, the LP has not sent word that it was considering to adopt him or enter into an alliance with UNA. 

Asked about LP’s statements dismissing the possibility of an alliance with UNA or his adoption as its candidate,Binay said he respects statements made by LP members, adding, “Siguro sabihin na lang natin na ang mapikon, talo rito (Let’s just say that sore losers would never win here).”

Erap consulted on LP-UNA coalition?

The Vice President said that he has consulted with former president Joseph Estrada, another UNA stalwart, on the possible LP coalition. He added that having Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero or even Roxas as his running-mate in 2016 are among those “being considered” but did not elaborate.

Binay echoed Estrada’s opinion that a candidate’s chances of winning improves when in a coalition. “At kapag ganoon, nagde-develop na ‘yong unity. Nababawasan ang sobrang pulitika (Also, that way, unity is developed. Political intramurals are lessened).”

“Sabagay, ang paninira ngayon eh abot-abot na. Kung anu-ano nang bintang na wala namang batayan. Alam naman nilang hindi totoo, para makapanira lang,” Binay added. (Besides, mudslinging nowadays is too much. Accusations are thrown left and right without basis. They know that it’s not true, but they keep on going just to discredit someone.)

He also appreciated the support of President Benigno Aquino III’s sisters, noting their history during the 1986 People Power Revolution. (READ: ‘Why not?’ Aquino sisters open to endorsing Binay)

On Monday, Binay revealed that he was being eyed as an adoptive standard bearer of the LP, but LP stalwarts quickly dismissed the claim and promptly issued guidelines on partnerships with other political parties that seemingly “disqualifies” Binay. (READ: LP sets criteria for allies. Guess who’s ‘disqualified’)

Senate President Franklin Drilon, an LP stalwart even denied Binay’s statement, saying that there are no discussions on the matter. Meanwhile, Roxas said on Friday that recent news on coalitions with LP only affirmed the ruling party’s “strength.” – Rappler.com