‘Aerial survey done on Batangas farm formerly owned by Binays’

MANILA, Philippines - The camp of Vice President Jejomar Binay believes that an aerial survey was done on a piggery and flower farm in Batangas formerly owned by his family.

Employees of JCB Farms in Rosario town claimed that a helicopter was seen hovering around the property last week, Binay’s spokesman Joey Salgado said yesterday.

“The helicopter flew around the property for about 20 minutes. According to the employees, this was the first time that such an incident happened,” Salgado said in a statement.

He said the Vice President started his piggery business in Rosario town through a sole proprietorship under the name JCB Farms in 1994.

He explained that JCB Farms was a mere tenant of a nine-hectare property in Batangas and not 200 hectares as earlier reported.

The piggery business was duly registered with the Bureau of Internal Revenue office in the province.

Salgado clarified that Binay sold the property after the 2010 elections.

Binay’s camp said they will not be surprised if in the coming days, a video footage or photos of the property will be circulated in media and even presented in the Senate hearing alleging that the Vice President is the owner of the property.

“We are sorry to disappoint our detractors. Allow us to reiterate what the lawyers of the Vice President told media in their presentation on the SALN (statement of assets, liabilities and net worth) of the Vice President and his spouse, former mayor Elenita Binay,” Salgado said.

“The leasehold improvements introduced by JCB Farms are duly reported in its annual audited financial statements and in the tax declarations duly filed with the appropriate local government unit,” he added. 

A flower shop business owned by Mrs. Binay – Blooms and Bouquet – has been sourcing its flower requirements from a farm in Rosario town.

Salgado said Binay earned an additional income of P44,350,921.88 from 1994 to 2010 from JBC Farms. He paid taxes amounting to P15,889,581.83 during the period.

After the 2010 elections, the Vice President disposed of his business interests for a profit in JCB Farms as well as his investments in shares of stocks. He initially invested P400,000 in stocks in 1994, Salgado added.

At the same time, Salgado said the Vice President is not an owner of the Manila Polo Club.

He said Binay has not received dividends from shares of stocks in the Manila Polo Club.

Salgado said that Binay was an honorary member of the polo club during his term as Makati mayor.

“This is in keeping with the club’s bylaws, which state that honorary membership shall be accorded to the incumbent President of the Philippines and the incumbent mayor of Makati,” he said.

Trillanes defends Senate probe

Meanwhile, Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV yesterday slammed his critics for accusing him and the Senate of politicking as the chamber continues to probe the alleged anomaly in the construction of the Makati City parking building 2.

Trillanes belied the claims of Sen. Nancy Binay, who had earlier decried the Senate inquiry as a political persecution against their family.

The Senate is out to uncover the truth and expose the anomalies in overpricing and rigging of various projects in Makati, he said.

He rejected statements that the Senate inquiry is being conducted not in aid of legislation but in aid of persecuting the Binays, particularly the Vice President.

The Vice President said he would rather focus on his job instead of attending the Senate hearing.

Trillanes said the Senate panel is ready to hear the explanation of Makati Mayor Junjun Binay, who has been directed to “show cause” why he has not been attending the hearings.

Last week, Senate President Franklin Drilon threatened the younger Binay with arrest if he fails to attend the next hearing.

Sen. Teofisto Guingona III, chairman of the Blue Ribbon committee, is set to announce today his decision on the petition on jurisdictional challenge filed by the Binay camp.  –  With Christina Mendez