Binay attends anniversary of women’s group

MANILA, Philippines - While his potential rival in the 2016 elections was busy with government preparations for Typhoon Ruby, Vice President Jejomar Binay yesterday attended an anniversary of a women’s group in Pasay City.

Speaking to reporters after the 10-minute speaking engagement at the Folk Arts Theater, Binay said his office is also monitoring updates on the typhoon and preparing relief packages for those who will be affected.

He also confirmed his plan to visit the areas that will be affected by the typhoon.

Interior Secretary Mar Roxas was in Borongan, Eastern Samar yesterday to coordinate the government’s response to the typhoon.

Sortie-like

Binay’s speaking engagement, which was attended by more than a thousand members of Kababaihan ng Maynila, appeared to be a campaign sortie as he was repeatedly referred to as the “next President.”

Former Manila mayor and Buhay party-list Rep. Lito Atienza, whom Binay described as a “future senator,” and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez were present during the activity.

Binay earlier said Atienza, who founded Kababaihan ng Maynila 30 years ago, would be in his senatorial ticket in 2016.

Asked about his possible senatorial candidacy, Atienza said he is focused on his responsibilities as a lawmaker.

Asked if Romualdez will be in the senatorial slate of his party in 2016, Binay said, “maybe. I don’t know.”