'Too early for conclusions on Noy-Binay meet’

‘MANILA, Philippines - It would be too early to draw conclusions on the meeting between President Aquino and Vice President Jejomar Binay, Parañaque City Rep. Gustavo Tambunting of the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) said yesterday.

Tambunting was reacting to questions on whether “all is well” between the President and Binay, who reportedly are having a rift on “many political issues.”

The two met Tuesday night at the Bahay Pangarap, the official residence of the Chief Executive, across Malacañang.

Tambunting said the developments in the coming days could give an indication on what Aquino and Binay talked about.

“We could not say much about the meeting. (But) they have gone a long way together, (longer) than the allies of P-Noy,” Tambunting said.

He said Aquino’s allies fear losing grip on power and he appears to be also beholden to them for various favors and political debts, “which may be the reason why he allows the attacks against Binay to continue.”

Earlier, Valenzuela City Rep. Sherwin Gatchalian deplored the “selective justice” waged by the Aquino administration against Binay, who continues to lead in public satisfaction ratings despite the corruption allegations hurled against him.

Gatchalian also opposed efforts to impeach Binay, saying the House of Representatives should have no time for politicking as it is busy with urgent measures such as the resolution to address the expected power shortage and the passage of Bangsamoro Basic Law.

Personal meeting

Meanwhile, Presidential Communications Opeations Office  Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said the meeting between the President and Binay did not tackle official issues and was “just a personal meeting between two long-time friends.”

“On the side of the President and the Cabinet, the priority was undertaking reforms and projects for livelihood and uplifting the economy,” Coloma said in Filipino during a press briefing at Malacañang.

He refused to say who initiated the meeting or whether Binay apologized to Aquino, or if the Chief Executive rejected Binay’s request for the DOJ to stop its investigation on his alleged ill-gotten wealth.

Coloma pointed out that as a member of the Cabinet, Binay has many occasions to talk to Aquino on various matters, which may not necessarily be limited to official issues, especially since the two are long-time friends. – Paolo Romero, Delon Porcalla, Jess Diaz