Senate critics fear prosecution under my presidency – Binay

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Senate critics fear prosecution under my presidency – Binay
Vice President Jejomar Binay also accuses the senators conducting the probe into the alleged overpriced Makati building of violating his civil rights

MANILA, Philippines – Vice President Jejomar Binay on Tuesday, October 21, lambasted his critics’ alleged campaign against his planned presidential bid, obviously referring to the recent statement of Senator Antonio Trillanes IV. 

They are afraid of what will happen to them if he becomes president, Binay said, further fueling his word war with his critics in the Senate who are conducting a probe into allegations of corruption against the Vice President and members of his family.

“Those investigating me are simply there because as they admitted they do not want me to even launch a presidential campaign, obviously fearing that should the people support me they would be made accountable for their misdeeds and abuse of power,” Binay said in a statement. 

“And they themselves want to be in power and see me as a threat to that ambition,” Binay added.

Trillanes on Monday told reporters he is praying for the enlightenment of Filipino voters to realize that Binay does not deserve to become president. (READ: WATCH: Trillanes prayer versus VP Binay)

Binay is not expected to attend the hearing of the Senate Blue Ribbon Subcommittee into the alleged overpriced Makati City Hall II Parking Building, even after the results of a Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey showed 79% of Filipinos want him to face the allegations in the Senate

Binay accused the Senate panel of violating his civil rights, warning fellow politicians and other public officials that this too can happen to them.

“I ask our people to examine closely the direction the so-called investigation is taking. So far, they have resorted to humiliating me and my family with such viciousness I have not seen employed by the Senate before,” Binay said.

He added, “I ask our people to take a closer look at the so-called Senate subcommittee investigation to see what it really is.” 

The Vice President again scoffed at the senators’ position that the probe is “in aid of legislation,” noting that “the legislative character of the investigation is brazenly replaced by a route of inquiry that is judicial in nature but masquerading as ‘in aid of legislation.'”

The Comission on Audit earlier confirmed before the Senate panel the “red flags” in the controversial Makati building. The probe has since branched out to include the alleged overpriced cakes given to Makati senior citizens and the 350-hectare farm in Batangas that the Binays allegedly own through dummies. 

Trillanes had vowed to expose other alleged corrupt activities of the Vice President. – Rappler.com

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