Binay in Mindanao: I will make you rich, like Makati

MANILA, Philippines – “Ang nagawa ko sa Makati ay gagawin din natin sa Maguindanao, sa Mindanao, at sa buong bansa (What I had done for Makati, I will also do for Maguindanao, Mindanao, and the rest of the country).”

Vice President Jejomar Binay made the pledge to his supporters after he administered the oath on Maguindanao provincial officials of the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) at the Sultan Kudarat Municipal Hall on Tuesday, August 18.

Binay enumerated what Filipinos can expect under his administration, should he win in the 2016 elections.

“Ang ipinapangako ng aking mga katunggali sa pulitika ay akin nang nagawa.  Ang kanilang pinipresenta sa bayan ay makikita na ng dalawang mata sa Makati (I’ve already done what my political rivals are promising. What they’re presenting to the people can already be seen with one’s own eyes in Makati),” he said.

Binay, who was Makati mayor for a total of 21 years, urged the people to ask other potential presidential candidates whether they, like him, had done the following: sent thousands of children to school for free, and gave free medical attention to the old and sickly.

Referring to his former job as chairman of the Housing and Urban Developing Coordinating Council, he asked, “Ilang libong bahay na ang naipagawa nila para sa mga mahihirap? (How many houses have they built for the poor?)”

Binay said that his political enemies are now using his achievements in Makati and the housing sector to destroy him. The Vice President is the subject of a plunder complaint and a Senate probe into corrupt acts he allegedly committed when he was still mayor.

The Vice President criticized the government for failing to bring prosperity to the people of Mindanao, which is touted as the Philippines’ food basket. He noted that 10 of the country’s 16 poorest provinces are in Mindanao.

He said the region remains in this state because  of “the lack of peace and government neglect.”

Binay said this is why he will pursue, under his administration, a peace agreement that would involve various groups and stakeholders, and would be bound by the provisions of the Constitution.

In his speech at the 68th Founding Anniversary of Sultan Kudarat on Tuesday, Binay reiterated that there is no need for Congress to rush the Bangsamoro Basic Law, as it is a complex issue that needs further study. (READ: Bangsamoro law should not be only option for peace)

Binay used to be the front runner in presidential preference surveys but has been dislodged by neophyte Senator Grace Poe. He has said that Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr is at the top of his list of choices for vice president. – Rappler.com