Jejomar Binay graces December issue of lifestyle magazine

MANILA, Philippines - From mayor to vice president—to magazine cover model?

Presidential aspirant Jejomar Binay appears on the cover of Esquire Philippines magazine for their December 2015-January 2016 "Meaning of Life" issue.

The announcement was made on December 10, accompanied by a photo of Binay, wearing a polo shirt, a santa hat and a wide grin.

We end this year with another thought provoking issue. We’ve featured presidentiables (reluctant and otherwise) on ESQUIRE before. For our December 2015-January 2016 Meaning of Life issue, Vice President Jejomar Binay graces our cover. While in the middle of the biggest political campaign of his life, Binay also juggles a number of controversies and cases--but that’s nothing new for the second most powerful man in the country. The man from Makati shares where he’s been and what he’s learned in this ESQUIRE exclusive.

Netizens were quick to react after the announcement, with a number of them expressing their disappointment with the magazine's choice of personality to feature:

"This is what you put out after Marian's issue? Wow. Did you really even consider Christmas when you thought of this?" one Facebook user asked.

One user compared Binay to Trump.

"The Nightmare before Christmas. It is like featuring Donald Trump on the cover during Ramadan. This is a classic example of how Editors make poor choices in their career life," another netizen commented.

Meanwhile, some defended the magazine, saying they should set aside their judgment first.

" I actually like the thought-provoking covers of Esquire. Huwag muna mag-assume hangga't hindi pa nababasa yung content," a Facebook user said.

Binay is not the first presidential candidate to be featured in the magazine. Mar Roxas graced the cover of Esquire Philippines in 2014, one year after typhoon Yoland hit the Philippines. Grace Poe was also featured on the cover of the magazine for their "Father's Day" issue this year.