PNoy hands off on Binay probe - Palace

MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang assured on Wednesday that President Benigno Aquino III is not intervening in the Senate Blue Ribbon Sub-Committee inquiry into the corruption allegations against Vice President Jejomar Binay.

In a televised press briefing, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte denied that Aquino is getting involved in the investigation when he relayed to Senate President Franklin Drilon the request of Binay to stop the probe.

"He explained himself quite thoroughly and quite clearly. And it was very apparent from his discussions on the matter that he did not intervene neither did he exert pressure," Valte said.

Valte said this after Sen. Aquilino Pimentel III, chairperson of the Blue Ribbon Sub-Committee, urged Aquino to keep his hands off the investigation amid reports that he asked Drilon to wrap up the Senate hearings.

Valte maintained that Aquino merely relayed Binay's request.

"Let's draw the distinction between pressure... between asking to do something and merely being a conduit to relay a message," Valte said.

She believes it was not improper for Aquino to convey Binay's request to Drilon and that he did not violate any law.

"Is there anything in the Constitution that says that the two leaders cannot speak? Nor is there anything in the Constitution that specifically says that they cannot discuss matters involving other public officials?" the Palace official said.