Binay’s wife to file abuse raps vs prosecutor, ombudsman

MANILA, Philippines - Lawyers of former Makati mayor Elenita Binay, wife of Vice President Jejomar Binay, are filing charges against the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) and the Office of the Ombudsman for grave abuse of authority, violation of constitutional rights and political persecution for reviving cases against her already dismissed with finality three years ago.

Binay’s spokesman Joey Salgado said yesterday a “white paper masquerading as an investigative report” is being peddled to media to link the vice president and his daughters, Sen. Nancy Binay and Makati Rep. Abigail Binay-Capos, in the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF)   scam.            

“This is but a poor attempt to drag the vice president’s name into the controversy,” he said. “Since the PDAF scandal broke, the records of the vice president, Senator Nancy and Congresswoman Abby have been made open to the public for review. These records will show that the projects were properly implemented and fully liquidated.”             

Salgado said that the OSP decided to resurrect the dismissed cases against Mrs. Binay despite the absence of new evidence or witnesses and without informing her of the cases’ revival.             “We had hoped that given the highly charged political atmosphere arising from the revelations of Janet Lim-Napoles, the ombudsman’s OSP would have shown greater prudence to avoid allegations that it is persecuting those who are not allies of the administration,” he said.            

Salgado said the demolition job against Binay is now in full swing, and that the revived cases, as well as the investigative , are part of a greater political agenda targeting the vice president.            

On May 20, the Sandiganbayan Third Division issued a hold departure order (HDO) against Mrs. Binay after the Office of the Ombudsman decided to reopen cases against her.            

The HDO was in connection with malversation charges filed against her for the purchase of beds for the Ospital ng Makati during her tenure as Makati mayor. 

‘Pork’ cases demoralizing Binay camp -– Noy ally

A pro-administration lawmaker believes the plunder cases against senator allies of Vice President Binay are demoralizing the camp of the 2016 presidential candidate.

Dasmariñas City Rep. Elpidio Barzaga Jr. said the presidential elections are fast approaching and the opposition seems to be demoralized because the Office of the Ombudsman has found probable case against politicians of national status belonging to the opposition.

“Considering that the main issue in the coming presidential elections will be good governance, transparency and accountability, the people might think that the opposition candidates are not advocates of good governance, transparency and accountability, since their leaders are facing plunder cases,” he said.

Barzaga said the nation expects the anointed candidate of President Aquino to pursue his advocacies and policies on good governance, transparency and accountability.         

“This would distinguish the President’s candidate from his opposition opponent,” he said.

The leader of the pro-administration National Unity Party disagreed with the independent bloc of lawmakers that the pork barrel scam is demoralizing the House of Representatives and  slowing down its work.