WHAT is Vice President Jejomar Binay silently thinking when he is saying something?
Binay says the Liberal Party, in openly advocating the continuation of the “Daang Matuwid” reforms to last three terms, seeks to perpetuate a dictatorship.
But look! Who served as Makati mayor for a total of 20 years? First as officer-in-charge in 1986-1987 upon appointment by the late president Corazon “Cory” Aquino. Then 10 years as mayor in 1988-1998. And then again as mayor in 2001-2010.
Who was Makati mayor from 1998 to 2001? Who else but Wifey Elenita, until hubby could qualify again!
Taking a dig at P-Noy, Binay has assured that if he becomes president, he will not file a case against his predecessor. He’s not vindictive, he says.
Right! He’ll just do it now, before he becomes president. Why else has he listed his dirty dozen and sued them for P200 million?
The list includes those who prominently pursued the corruption charges against Binay, like Senators Antonio Trillanes and Alan Peter Cayetano, ex-vice mayor of Makati Ernesto Mercado, and Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales.
If Binay’s town criers can be believed, Binay supposedly prefers a four-year term for the Philippine president, instead of the current six years. But such president can run for reelection.
Therefore, if he becomes president, expect another exercise at Charter change, and that part of the Constitution to be mangled.
His barkers say Binay believes six years is too long for a bad president and too short for a good one. It isn’t fair that the constituents are punished by waiting for the six-year term of a bad president to end.
Binay’s being dramatic, of course. Even the vice president knows that there’s impeachment as recourse. More importantly, a bad presidential candidate should not be elected in the first place.
Who’s to tell? For starters, how’s his track record?
Since the president holds overwhelming power over the country’s coffers, how did he handle government money in his lesser/lower/local positions? Any tint or even hint of corruption throughout those years?
Definitely, even before next year’s presidential elections, Binay is already planning his reelection.
The total of eight years he expects to be president is a far cry from his long, long years as Makati mayor. But you can trust Binay to come up other ways of perpetuating himself in power.
Perhaps do a rehash by resurrecting moves for a parliamentary form of government? He can then position himself for prime minister.
And if Senators Trillanes and Cayetano have the documents to flaunt, then Binay must have the funds (legit or ill-gotten) to bankroll his career moves. Per the Anti-Money Laundering Council, Binay supposedly has 242 bank accounts, remember?
Before his fall-out with P-Noy, Binay flaunted his Aquino connections. They go a long way back, he said; as early as Cory who appointed him Makati OIC-mayor in 1986.
Even at the start, it was clear he built himself for the long haul. While his patron Cory kept true her promise to be a transition leader, Binay used the OICship as launching pad for his political career.
How was it said again--that power does not change a man, but instead reveals him?
Jeez, I got the same answer last year.
(lelani.echaves@gmail.com)