Should Binay resign from Cabinet? ‘Up to him’ – Palace

MANILA, Philippines – Malacañang has not changed its stance on whether Vice President Jejomar Binay should resign from the Cabinet following a freeze order on his bank accounts over alleged irregularities.

Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said in an interview on state-run Radyo ng Bayan on Saturday, May 16, that as far is Malacañang is concerned, Binay would have to make the decision himself.

Binay sits in the Cabinet as chair of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council and presidential adviser on overseas Filipino workers’ concerns.

“That’s a decision that is left up to him,” said Valte, when asked about the gravity of the latest allegations against Binay which are supported by a report of the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC). (READ: AMLC: Binay, et all moved large sums of US dollars)

She said that the question should be addressed to the Vice President himself.

“That is a question that is better posed to the person who is the subject of the call to resign, perhaps, or the question to resign,” Valte said, adding that this is the standard Palace answer to questions on the possible resignation of presidential appointees.

The Court of Appeals (CA) issued a freeze order on 242 bank accounts and investments of Binay, his family, and his alleged dummies, saying it found probable cause these were related to “unlawful activities.” (READ: Binay ‘dummies’ closing accounts since Senate probe)

The latest allegations have fueled calls for Binay to resign from the Aquino Cabinet. 

Binay has also been criticized for remaining in the Cabinet even after he had openly scored administration programs and policies.

In a business forum on Friday, Binay said the Philippines has enough good policies but lacks implementation because of the quality of its leaders. He also chipped away at the image of economic resurgence portrayed by the Aquino administration. (READ: Binay: PH needs CEO-type leadership) – Rappler.com