MANILA, Philippines – Despite the resignation of Vice President Jejomar Binay from the Cabinet, Malacañang gave assurances that the services he used to help deliver will continue to be available through various government offices.

Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr said while there is no information yet on Binay’s replacement as housing czar and presidential adviser on overseas Filipino workers (OFW) affais, the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) will continue to serve the public.

“Hanggang hindi po humihirang ang Pangulo ng iba pang mga opisyal, mayroon naman po tayong prinsipyo sa gobyerno na continuity and no disruption in essential public services. Kaya wala pong dapat ikabahala hinggil diyan,” Coloma said in a radio interview aired over DZRB on Tuesday, June 23.

(Until the President names [Binay’s] successors, we have this principle in government of continuity and no disruption in essential public services. So the public should not worry about this.) 

Meanwhile, said deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte, the concerns of OFWs will be addressed through the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Department of Labor and Employment, the Philippine Overseas Employment Agency, and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration.

Not Aquino’s punching bag

On Tuesday, Malacañang also refuted allegations of the Binay camp that Vice President Jejomar Binay was the administration’s punching bag.

Valte said the administration had consistently focused on programs and not on people. “We have always endeavored to keep public discourse on programs and policies and not centered on personalities in general.” 

The Vice President has been the subject of several legislative hearings for alleged corruption involving the construction of the Makati City Hall and the Makati Science High School buildings, among others.

The Office of the Ombudsman on March 11 suspended Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin “Junjun” Binay Jr and other city officials in connection with the allegedly overpriced Makati City building. But the Court of Appeals temporarily reversed the decision.

The Vice President tendered his irrevocable resignation from the Aquino Cabinet on Monday, June 22.

President Benigno Aquino III confirmed the resignation through a phone call with Binay. – Rappler.com