Fearing for his life, alleged Binay dummy asks for respect

MANILA, Philippines — Businessman Antonio "Tony" Tiu became emotional Wednesday in denying anew allegations that he is a dummy of Vice President Jejomar Binay.

In a televised press conference, Tiu said  he is a victim of a political ploy, being caught in the middle of a highly publicized political row between Binay and senators in the Blue Ribbon Sub-Committee probing his alleged ill-gotten wealth.

Tiu, chief executive of Greenergy Holdings Inc., said that the issues are risking his security and that of his family as Filipino-Chinese.

"Kung wala kayong respeto sa akin bilang tao na humarap sa inyo sa Senado, sana naman respetuhin ninyo ang BUHAY KO at ang BUHAY ng PAMILYA KO," read the intertitles of a video presentation he presented to the media.

"Marahil sa inyo, politika lamang. Pero para sa akin, at para sa mga Filipino-Chinese na gaya ko, kidnapping is a serious issue and a real threat," it added.

The video includes snippets of the Senate hearing on October 30 showing him being grilled by Sens. Alan Peter Cayetano and Antonio Trillanes IV.

Answering queries from reporters, Tiu also begged that his company and its stakeholders be spared from the controversies hounding him.

"Huwag n'yo na pong idamay ang mga investors, at huwag n'yo na pong idamay ang mga libu-libong tao na umaasa sa company," he added.

Tiu insisted that he is the legitimate owner of the 145-hectare estate in Rosario, Batangas the senators claim to be Binay's.

He also cried foul over the lawmakers' tirades against him, suggesting that he is a shady trader.

"My patient explanations of my business practices have been ridiculed constantly interrupted and branded as lies," he said.

Cayetano accused Tiu of possible money laundering that may be reflected in a "paper trail" leading to companies and personalities infusing funds into Greenergy Holdings.

Securities and Exchange Commission Chair Teresita Herbosa, meanwhile, told the Senate last week that there have been "adverse findings or incomplete disclosures" in the company's records that are yet to be confirmed and clarified.

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