VP Binay ‘apology feelers’ to Jamias proof of fault – Roxas

MANILA, Philippines – If Vice President Jejomar Binay and his security team didn’t do anything wrong in that controversial confrontation at the Makati City Hall earlier this week, why are they now trying to make amends?

That was the reaction of Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas II on reports that the Vice President was trying to reach out to a police colonel who accused the Vice President of harassing Philippine National Police personnel. 

On Thursday, July 2, Senior Superintendent Elmer Jamias said he received calls from the Vice President’s camp, asking for a personal meeting so Binay could apologize for the incident last June 29.

Jamias earlier accused Binay and his security detail of insulting and hurting PNP personnel who were deployed at the city hall on the same day the Ombudsman issued a second suspension order against the Vice President’s son, Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin Binay Jr over another alleged overpriced building.

The PNP is now investigating the incident, and is studying the possible cases that could be filed against Binay and his security team. (READ: Mayor Binay, supporters should be charged – De Lima)

In a chance interview on Thursday, Roxas said Binay’s act of reaching out to Jamias was already proof that the Vice President acknowledged his actions.

“Kung may inaareglo sila, palagay ko, ‘yan ang pruweba na dapat talagang may aregluhin, diba? Eh di kung wala naman eh di patuloy lang ang regular (If they’re trying to fix something, isn’t that proof that there’s something to be fixed? If there’s none, then just go on as normal),” he said.

Roxas added, “Sa hanay naman namin, hindi naman ito personal na laban kay Vice President Binay, laban kay Mayor Junjun Binay. Ang pinapairal lang natin dito ay ‘yung rule of law (In our case, this is not a personal fight against Vice Prsident Binay, against Mayor Junjun Binay. We are just enforcing the rule of law).”

No withdrawal of charges

Jamias said he is willing to speak with the Vice President, but added that he will not withdraw his plans to file charges against him.

“I will not change my mind. It’s not right that I, as a law enforcer, will stop enforcing the law just because I’m up against a powerful person,” he said.

“Hindi ko na ba ipapatupad ang batas? Ang batas ay ginawa…para sa lahat (Do I stop enforcing the law? The law was made…for all),” he added. 

Meanwhile, Binay’s camp has contested Jamias’ version of events, saying it was their supporters who were manhandled by police officers. 

Tensions erupted late Monday when the Vice President, his daughter Senator Nancy Binay and Navotas Representative Toby Tiangco headed to the Makati City Hall.

Police were going to let Binay and his party enter the city hall, but blocked his supporters – a move that angered Binay, who demanded to have the barricades removed.

The Vice President’s camp earlier refuted allegations that Binay threatened the police, and claimed that it was the police who caused tensions. Video footage of the confrontation aired on news networks showed the Vice President berating the police for carrying out an “illegal” order.

Rico Quicho, vice presidential spokesperson for political affairs, also accused Jamias of avoiding Binay when the latter tried to talk to him.

“The Vice President proceeded to the command outpost but Jamias and his men gave the Vice President the run around. Finally Jamias was found hiding in his car. He was reminded by the Vice President about constitutional rights and that by setting up barricades, the police are curtailing the right to assemble,” Quicho said in a statement.

He added, “The Vice President understands the police officers’ predicament of following an order or advice but reserves his right to protect the people and vindicate the wrong done to them.” – Rappler.com