I’m fighting Goliaths – Binay

MANILA, Philippines - “Fighting Goliaths” will take much of his time in the coming days, according to Vice President Jejomar Binay.

The embattled Binay said he was bracing for “more political fireworks” from detractors who are accusing him of illegally amassing wealth while he was still mayor of Makati City.

In a speech during the awarding ceremonies for the 10 Outstanding Boy Scouts of the Philippines, Binay said he also expects “more mud on my face” as pressure mounts for him to answer allegations there was overpricing in the construction of the Makati City Hall parking building and that his family owns a vast farm estate in Batangas.

“But don’t worry, my friends, when you see me in this uniform, I am your brother Scout with the innocence of a boy who finds joy in the left handshake. No politics please,” Binay said. He was clad in full BSP uniform. He did not grant interviews after the event.

“This will come to pass soon, and you will see me in the bigger political arena, fighting Goliaths in an effort to become part of a better future,” he said.

“No politics please. I have reason to be happy. After weeks of grueling political battle with issues not my own, I am home at last,” Binay said.

In his speech, Binay also thanked his fellow Boy Scouts for their trust in him.

“I thank you all for the warm welcome. I thank you all for your support and for your faith in me. I thank you for this neckerchief; I can live an ordinary, normal life in the company of little people with big dreams,” the Vice President said.

“Today, my fellow Scouts and guests, I am leaving politics behind, even for a moment, to escape the drudgery of political tirades let flown abroad by entities desperately trying to pull me and my family down. I hope that this would not affect your trust in me,” Binay said.

In the same event, BSP member emeritus Maximino Edralin Jr. praised Binay for his valuable contribution to scouting in the country.

Edralin said the BSP owed its achievement to Binay’s leadership. Binay has been BSP national president for the past 20 years.

“I say that Philippine scouting is where it is today – an organization respected for its effectiveness in the whole world because of Vice President Binay,” Edralin said.

Edralin said Binay always finds time to attend to the problems and needs of the BSP despite his busy schedule.