Binay accuser: No turning back on my obligation

MANILA, Philippines - Former Makati Vice Mayor Ernesto Mercado confirmed on Friday that he is in the United States to visit his ailing wife.

In an interview over radio dzBB, Mercado said he left the country on November 18 and will be returning by November 30.

"Hindi po ako umalis diyan para tumalikod sa obligasyon," he said, adding that he may return earlier if needed.

Mercado said he informed the Department of Justice, the Office of the Ombudsman and the Senate about his trip.

Citing unnamed sources, earlier reports said Mercado left the country for Los Angeles on board Philippine Airlines flight PR 102 with a certain Baby Ernesto Mercado and a Karla Marie Jane Ciruela.

Mercado is under the government's Witness Protection Program after becoming a key resource person in the Senate hearings on the allegations against Binay and his family.

The former Binay ally has accused the Vice President of benefiting from allegedly overpriced projects in Makati and of using dummies to conceal his wealth, including a sprawling agricultural estate in Batangas, a mansion in Tagaytay and several condominium units.

Mercado left for the US amid allegations by the Binay camp that he also has ill-gotten wealth, including an island resort in Palawan.

In the dzBB interview, Mercado said he only owns an islet.

He also claimed that there are people offering him money in exchange for his silence.

Mercado challenged Binay to a face-off in the Senate and present their respective evidences on the corruption allegations.