Palace denies snubbing Binay in state functions

MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang has refuted Vice President Jejomar Binay's claim that he is now being left out of important state events that he would normally be invited to as the country's second highest official.

Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said the Palace invited Binay to attend the state luncheon for Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha during his visit to the Philippines on August 28.

"Contrary to claims that Vice President Binay has been disinvited from State functions, an invitation was extended to the Vice President for the state luncheon held in honor of the Thai Prime Minister. The Vice President did not attend," Valte said in a text message.

Binay told another broadsheet last week that he was not invited to the Palace event for the Thai leader.

He further claimed that he has not received any invite from the Palace following his resignation from President Aquino's Cabinet in June.

Binay severed ties with the Aquino government amid the continuing political allegations hurled against him which he believes are orchestrated by his foes in the administration to derail his presidential bid.

After quiting the Cabinet, Binay has been the staunchest critic of the Aquino administration, calling it inept and uncaring.

Last week, Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said Binay's resignation from the Cabinet pulled down the approval and trust ratings of the vice president.

During his time in the Cabinet, Binay was the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council chair and presidential adviser on overseas Filipino workers' affairs.

In a television interview last month, Aquino said he has yet to see anything that Binay did as head of the housing sector. - Louis Bacani