Binay says he will not run for Senate

MANILA, Philippines - Opposition leader and Makati City Mayor Jejomar Binay is not interested in a Senate seat come the 2010 polls.

In an interview over ANC’s “Strictly Politics” Binay said his background has always been with the executive department. “Hindi yan ang experience ko. Hindi ako legislator. Ako talaga, andun ako sa field. I’m part of the executive department. Hindi ko naisip na tatakbo ako ng senado. Although tignan natin but I am campaigning already for the presidency,” Binay said.

Binay, president of the United Opposition (UNO) was reacting to a recent Pulse Asia survey which showed that he is lagging behind among the possible candidates for the presidency but has a strong showing among the possible senatorial candidates. Binay said that his long experience as mayor of Makati City, considered as the country’s financial district, would be to his advantage if ever he will reach Malacañang.

“Yung local at national e pareho. Magkakadiperesnya lang yan sa magnitude. So if ever I will get elected, the following day when my predecessor leaves Malacañang, I will be there not for an on the job training, I will be there to bring my experiences as the chief executive of Makati,” he said. However, Binay said he is willing to step-down and run as running mate to former President Joseph Estrada should the opposition fail to arrive at a common candidate and Estrada would be compelled to run in 2010.

“Just in case, hindi ma-unify, sabi niya, he will be compelled to run. Kung mangyayari yun, then we have to sit down. May kasabihan na for one to be a good leader, one must be a good follower. Susunod po ako dun. Yan ang respeto ko kay Pangulong Erap,” he said.

Binay also said that he supports the call of Estrada for the holding of a “unity covenant ” for the purpose of coming out with a common presidential candidate among the ranks of the opposition. According to Binay, this will help establish who are the “real” members of the opposition.

“Tama ang pagkakasabi ni Presidente Erap (Estrada). He looks forward to a unity convention in October. By that time, I think that would give us the opportunity to know who really are in the opposition. Basta ako, kay Erap. Kasama niya, sa harap at sa likod, ulo hanggang paa, opposition kami talaga,” he said.

According to Binay, should Estrada run in 2010, he could again win by a landslide.

“For all the time that he brought me along around the country sa kanyang Lakbay Pasasalamat, talagang marami ang rumerespeto kay Pangulong Erap. The poorer the area is, lalong marami sumasalubong talaga. Hindi na madadaya ang boto ngayon. Hopefully it will be a clean and honest election.