Binay cancels ‘state of the country’ speech, goes to typhoon zone

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – Vice President Jejomar Binay canceled his planned Monday (September 15) speech on the “state of the country,” and will visit typhoon-battered Cagayan and Isabela instead.

“The Vice President’s scheduled live address on issues raised during the Senate sub-committee hearings has been moved to later this week,” a statement released by his office said.

Binay flew to Cagayan Monday to “personally assess the damage caused by Typhoon Luis,” the statement said. The vice president is in Peñablanca and will visit Iguig, Amulong and Alacala in Cagayan. He will then proceed to Isable, his home province.

 “The Vice President wants to reassure the people of Cagayan and Isabela that their government is ready to assist them,” his office said.

The statement said Binay prioritized the Cagayan-Isabela trip because “the need to alleviate the suffering of typhoon survivors cannot wait.” 

Binay was supposed to respond to corruption allegations he is facing during the live address, announced Friday, September 12. The Vice President wanted to “give a general overview of what’s going on,” according to Cavite Governor Juanito Victor Remulla, his political affairs spokesperson.

In a Monday statement, Remulla said Binay would still address the allegations against him but at an “appropriate time.” “Work continues for the Vice President amidst accusations against him and his family. Right now, his priority is the welfare of the people of Cagayan and Isabela who are suffering from the onslaught of typhoon Luis,” he added.

The Vice President is being accused of profiting from an “overpriced” Makati building that began construction when he was city mayor. The building is the basis of plunder raps against him and his son, incumbent Makati mayor Jejomar Erwin “Junjun” Binay.

The building is at the center of the Senate Blue Ribbon sub-committee probe, which has branched into other allegations of corruption against the Vice President and members of his family.

The Vice President was set to use the address to respond to allegations against him “point-by-point.” “He will answer on his own terms. He will answer the most important questions of all and he will give you a broader perspective of what is really happening,” Remulla said.

The speech was supposed to be held at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), a much bigger venue compared to an earlier live press conference August 27, where he first denied the allegations. – KD Suarez/Rappler.com