MANILA, Philippines – Makati mayoral candidate Junjun Binay believes his sister, reelectionist Mayor Abby Binay, is fueled by “vengeance” in running against him.

“‘Yung mga Facebook post niya na pinapakita sa akin, sinasabi niya (In her Facebook posts that have been shown to me, she’s saying) forgiveness will not come anytime soon. I think she’s being driven by vengeance,” Junjun told reporters on the sidelines of his proclamation rally along Chino Roces Avenue corner Metropolitan Avenue on Saturday, March 30.

“Nakakalungkot. Ang laban na ito ay laban para sa mga taga-Makati, hindi para sa paghihiganti (This is disappointing. This fight is a fight for the people of Makati, not vengeance),” he added.

The prominent political clan of Makati  became divided after Junjun decided to challenge the reelection bid of his older sister. (READ: Binay family feud won’t end after 2019 elections – Abby)

Their father, former vice president Jejomar Binay, had allowed his children to slug it out in the Makati race, provided they avoid throwing hurtful comments against each other.  The elder Binay is running for Makati congressman.

He is supporting Abby, while his eldest child, reelectionist Senator  Nancy Binay, is standing by Junjun’s side. Nancy Binay said her relationship with Abby had  been “strained” for quite some time.

The fissure created by the battle for Makati mayor in the Binay family had run so deep that Abby herself felt the family feud would go on even after the May 13 elections.

‘Open to reconciliation’

Junjun, for his part, said he was open to reconciling with his sister.

“Ako ay nakilala na may matabang puso. Hindi ako nakilala na negatibong tao. Hangga’t maaari nga, hanggang sa huli, ang pinipili namin magkaayos-ayos ang pamilya namin. Of course I’m open! Gusto ko maging maayos ang pamilya namin,” he said, responding to questions.

(I have been known to be a person with a generous heart. I’m not known to be a negative person. As much as possible, in the end, what I want is for my family resolve their differences. Of course I’m open! I want my family to be okay.)

Nancy expressed the same hope.

“Ah basta ako, magkakapamilya pa rin kami eh di ba? Magkakadugo  kami, so dapat ‘yong hope na magkakaayos kami should always be there (On my part, we’re still family, right? We share the same blood, so the hope for us to fix our differences should always be there),” she said.

 Junjun said he was starting off his campaign on a “bittersweet” mood. The Court of Appeals recently upheld its decision clearing him of administrative charges in relation to the alleged overpriced Makati City parking building, but just last week, his longtime executive assistant Monalisa “Monette” Bernardo died after being ambushed outside her home.

“Siya ang inspirasyon namin sa laban na ‘to (She’s our inspiration in this fight),” Junjun said of his close family friend. – Rappler.com