Junjun Binay shouldn’t be signing official documents – Peña

MANILA, Philippines – If he’s been suspended, Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin “Junjun” Binay is not supposed to be signing official documents.

This is the position of Makati Vice Mayor Romulo Peña, as both officials claim to be the lawful mayor of the city.

On Wednesday, March 18, Binay met with city councilors and signed official documents to assert his claim that he is still the leader of the Philippines’ richest city, despite a suspension order served against him on Monday.

He has repeatedly insisted that the 6-month preventive suspension ordered by the Ombudsman against him had been effectively stopped by the temporary restraining order (TRO) issued by the Court of Appeals.

Peña, however, said that it is him who is now recognized as the acting mayor of the city because the TRO came after the suspension was already served and after he had been sworn in.

The vice mayor has the backing of the Ombudsman, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and the Department of Justice (DOJ), which earlier declared the TRO “moot and academic.”

Defiant

Peña said he was disappointed that Binay continued to sign official documents in defiance of his suspension. 

He also said that his camp may question the legality of the signed documents.

“Sana hindi muna siya nag-sign…Dapat sana walang mga legal impediments ang mga na-sign niya. Kami sumusunod lang sa batas,” he said.

(I had hped he didn’t sign…I hope there are no legal impediments with the documents he signed. We are just following the law.)

He added: “It is clear that I am the acting mayor, not by choice. It is rule of law.”

Peña earlier set up his makeshift office in the hallway of the old Makati city hall building and made the rounds of some barangays to meet with residents.

He also skipped presiding over Wednesday’s council meeting because he was already discharging his duties as acting mayor, Peña said. 

‘Lone opposition’

On Wednesday, city councilors expressed their support for Binay, but Peña said the lack of support for him was not surprising.

“It’s normal. Always remember I am the lone opposition from the city of Makati,” he said.

He recounted how he did not have the councilors’ support when he ran as vice mayor. But his victory proved that he still has the support of Makati voters, Peña added.

“Mahal ako ng mga taong-bayan ng Makati. (The people of Makati love me.) I am the alternative,” he said.

“Many of those here in Makati are part of the silent majority, that’s the reason why my staying power is very evident. Hindi lahat kursunada pa rin ‘yun [Binays in power],” he added.

If the Binay camp continues to defy the suspension order, Peña said he will have “no choice” but to ask for the intercession of the Supreme Court. 

Asked about his plans to solidify his claim to the top post, Peña did not elaborate, saying he prefers to keep the Binay camp watching out for his next move.

“I’m very sure pinag-aaralan nila galaw ko. Ayoko magkamali nang sa gayon di ako magsisi,” he said. (I’m very sure they’re studying my every move. I don’t want to make a mistake so I won’t regret it.)

“I know how they work. I know right now they’re thinking of things… Although we are also planning, I will keep them guessing.” – Rappler.com