Why did Veep cancel his speech?

Vice President Jejomar Binay postponed his much anticipated speech that was to be delivered from the Philippine International Convention Center ostensibly and reportedly to check on the condition of the victims of Typhoon Luis (international codename Kalmaegi) in Cagayan and Isabela, two of the areas that have been most devastated.

It was anticipated that the Veep would announce his resignation from the Cabinet of President Aquino, but speculation is strong that some people close to the Palace have asked him to hold it off until the President comes back from abroad.

It’s an open secret that the Liberal Party is divided, with one faction batting for Binay to become the “unity” candidate, while another camp believes DILG Secretary Mar Roxas is the rightful “successor” to President Noy on account of the former’s “sacrifice” during the 2010 presidential elections.

Binay has been under fire from several LP members like Caloocan Rep. Edgar Erice who demanded for the VP to declare his loyalty to the President, or else resign his position as chairman of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council. The Vice President has also been the subject of “attacks” by the tag-team of Alan Peter Cayetano and Sonny Trillanes – both of whom are eyeing a higher position, making many suspect that the alliances have come to an agreement of sorts, maybe, to demolish the Vice President.

Speculations about a “break-up” between the President and the VP (whose NoyBi tandem in 2010 was successfully pushed by some relatives of P-Noy and a number of LP members) became strong when Binay was not invited at last Friday’s dialogue with allies in Malacañang. Despite the perceived “snub,” VP Binay maintains that he does not hold a grudge against President Aquino.

According to some insiders, it is Mar Roxas who will “technically” get to choose the Liberal Party standard bearer for 2016 – whether it’s Roxas himself or someone else is not yet decided at this point – because that is reportedly part of the commitment of President Aquino to his 2010 running mate.

Despite the slew of criticisms and the controversies involving him, the Veep continues to be the top choice among potential 2016 presidentiables, with his popularity still strong among the CDE social classes, especially in the Binay family’s stronghold in Makati.

‘Miriam-Grace’ duo gains traction

Despite Senator Grace Poe’s gracious statement thanking Senator Miriam Santiago for considering her as a potential running mate and that she is not aspiring for higher office in the 2016 elections, many are saying that the thought of a “Miriam-Grace” tandem is fast gaining traction among the youth.

Aside from sounding like a charming name for a resto, “Miriam Grace” has caught the fancy of many because the two ladies seem complementary and present a perfect foil for each other. Students are fascinated by Santiago’s acerbic wit and cutting humor, while many are charmed by the quiet poise exuded by Poe. Many are fast converting into fans of “Da King’s daughter” because of the sense and sensibility she shows during Senate hearings with her intelligent questions. Observers also suggest that if the all-girl tandem ever becomes a reality or succeeds in 2016, and if Miriam Santiago gets too exhausted by the demands of her office, she can gracefully allow Grace Poe to pick up the slack.

MVP: Most Valuable Pinoy

Congratulations are very much in order for Manny V. Pangilinan for his election to the FIBA (International Basketball Federation) central board. This only goes to show that MVP – Most Valuable Pinoy to many – has gained recognition as a true patron of sports. Many point to the efforts of Pangilinan (who is also president of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas) in breathing new life to the national team and for bringing the country back to the international stage after some four decades of near oblivion.

Manny also gave credit to FIBA president Horacio Muratore and Secretary General Patrick Bauhmann, saying the meeting took almost three hours. Many also anticipate that his election to the FIBA board will strengthen the country’s bid to host the FIBA World Cup in 2019. Those who care about Manny most especially his close friends, are happy to see MVP’s hands full with his new FIBA position to keep him away from politics.

Abaya’s ‘golf ball in mouth’ disease

A lot of people are concerned that Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio “Jun” Abaya could be afflicted with the foot-in-mouth disease because of his tendency to blurt out “quotable quotes” that anger the public even more. Case in point is when he said “riding the MRT is a personal decision” in response to fears from the riding public that the MRT-3 might not be safe in the aftermath of the accident where an MRT train crashed through the concrete barrier at the Taft Avenue station.

This came across as snooty when he said – “By riding the train, do I solve the problem?” – a remark in response to demands from the harried commuting public for him to take “The MRT Challenge” during rush hours to experience firsthand the problems that commuters face day-in and day out. And now comes his latest display of arrogance during the recent Senate hearing where he said the DOTC plans to put a subway under Manila Golf, and if Manila Golf refuses, they will build one on top of it.

According to sources, some DOTC officials met with Manila Golf board members to discuss a proposed subway infrastructure project right under the fairways of the exclusive golf club. Apparently, the DOTC chief – who is now famously known as Secretary pAbaya – got rebuffed so he must be trying to strong arm the Board into submission. And to think he can’t even satisfactorily solve the existing problems with the MRT, not to mention the legal entanglements that his department is facing because of Abaya’s arbitrary decisions, a fuming Manila Golf member told Spy Bits.

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