Binay respects sentiments of UPLB students

MANILA, Philippines - Vice President Jejomar Binay respects the sentiments and conviction of the University of the Philippines-Los Baños students who questioned him during a school forum on Tuesday.

Joey Salgado, Binay’s spokesman for media affairs, said the Vice President honors free speech and has never shied away from direct questions from the public.

“The VP respects the sentiments and admires the conviction of these students, even those who have apparently pre-judged him. What’s important is there’s freedom of expression and they’re open-minded,” he added.

Some UPLB students engaged Binay in a heated exchange on several issues, including that of informal settlers in Makati City and allegations of corruption.

JV Bautista, United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) secretary-general, said the party is currently scouting for Binay’s running mate in the coming May polls.

He said the UNA selection committee has narrowed down the list of potential mates to three capable and experienced politicians, which he refused to name. Among those considered last month were Sens. Miriam Defensor-Santiago and Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte.

“It’s almost final. It has already entered the stage of selection. It is now a matter of him (Binay) talking to the potential candidate,” he said.

Prospective running mate

Also yesterday, Binay gave clues on his possible running mate – a male and veteran politician.

“Male. Veteran. And of course, has the experience,” Binay told reporters after attending a mining forum in Parañaque City.

He, however, refused to divulge the name, saying the person he is referring to is not yet 100 percent ready to accept his offer.

“It’s not yet done, there’s still 10 to 15 percent uncertainty,” the Vice President said.

He said he would announce his running mate as soon as the person accepts his offer.

Binay said he believes their tandem would be strong. “I can assure you my running mate would be a big help to me and our party.”

He, however, refused to confirm if his prospective running mate is Marcos.

During a roundtable discussion hosted by TV5 network last Sept. 4, Binay admitted that Marcos is one of those being considered to be UNA’s vice presidential candidate.

Asked whether he was considering Marcos as running mate despite being a son of the late dictator, the former human rights lawyer replied, “it’s time to move on.”

“We have to move on. In fact, I want to reiterate what I have been saying. I want to be known, under my administration, we have a unifying and healing administration. Enough of this, let’s move on. Human rights is not an issue. That’s not even applicable. Bongbong is not President Marcos. It’s over,” he said. – With Non Alquitran