If elected, Binay wants Congress’ investigative powers reviewed

MANILA, Philippines — Former vice president Jejomar Binay vowed to review the investigative powers of Congress if he gets elected in the 2019 mid-term elections to uplift the integrity of the House of Representatives. 

Binay, whose family once complained of so-called trial by publicity in legislative investigations, said that he will convince members of the Congress to review their investigative powers and set guidelines as far as “in aid of legislation” is concerned. 

One of the things he wants to be included in the guidelines is to ensure that the investigation will focus on the subject matter alone and will not go beyond the reason of the investigation. 

Similar to what happened in 2016, Binay said that he had a “traumatic” experience when he and his family were dragged into some anomalies in Makati City.

“There should be no personal attacks and confined only to the subject of the investigation,” he said in Filipino.

Asked about his critics Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV and former senator and foreign affairs secretary Alan Cayetano, Binay said he has already forgiven them. 

In another development, Binay described his daughter Makati City Mayor Abby Binay as a very good local executive who deserves to be re-elected in the 2019 mid-term elections. 

Binay, who served as Makati mayor from 1986 to 1998 and from 2001 to 2010, said his daughter has performed better than his predecessor, acting mayor Kid Peña who removed some of the benefits designed for residents. 

Abby has filed her certificate of candidacy for mayor and is running against her brother, former Makati mayor Junjun Binay.

The 76-year-old Binay patriarch said he supports Abby over Junjun.