Binay welcomes probe on poll fraud

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines  — Vice President Jejomar Binay Thursday said he welcomed the joint inquiry of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) into allegations of electoral fraud and sabotage in the 2004 elections by former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

 "Eh di malalaman na natin kung totoo o hindi (so we will finally know if it is true or not)," said Binay, who was in Bacolod to address the Vice Mayors' League of the Philippines 4th Visayan Island Congress and the Joint National Executive Board Meeting at Planta Hotel.

 Binay said he was aware of the alleged election anomalies in 2004 because he served as the campaign manager of then presidential candidate Fernando Poe Jr. for a time.

 "Particularly that year, I was campaign manager for FPJ; itong nabasa nyo sa (national papers) alam namin yan (ang mga cheating). Hindi talaga kami pinapasok noon, pero yong operations monitor naming," Binay said, adding that he is now glad the alleged massive poll fraud is finally being investigated.

 Asked if he is supporting the probe, he replied: "Aba eh kung merong ebidensya eh di by all means eh di maghabla (If there are evidences, then by all means, file charges)."

 On President Aquino's recent State of the Nation Address, Binay described it "very clear and great."

 He also did not agree with the claims of Aquino's critics that the SONA lacked direction. "Hindi naman, may direction talaga, yon lang there were so many topics which many had expected (in his speech) but sinabi nya na lamang ang mga priorities nya," said the vice president.

Binay thanked Aquino for his appointments, saying, "As I always say there was wisdom on the part of the president in appointing me (in several capacities) as part of his team." (FREEMAN)