Binay to voters: Take money, but vote with conscience

MAGUINDANAO, Philippines — Vice President Jejomar Binay on Tuesday cautioned local folks against presidential candidates who will pour out huge amounts of money to buy votes during the 2016 elections.

Binay was in Maguindanao province to grace the 68th founding anniversary of Sultan Kudarat town.

"Tanggapin ninyo ang perang galing sa kanila, pero bumoto nang ayon sa inyong kunsensya. 'Yan namang perang 'yan ay pera ng bayan," he told guests in the event organized by the local government unit of Sultan Kudarat.

Binay was accompanied to Sultan Kudarat town by Philippine Councilors' League chairperson Alma Moreno, Sultanate of Sulu scion Jacel Kiram and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez, who all announced they are to run for Senate during the 2016 national polls.

Binay, while in Sultan Kudarat, administered the oath of several Maguindanao community leaders as new members of the United Nationalist Alliance, in the presence of Mayor Shameem Mastura.

The former mayor of Sultan Kudarat, Tucao Mastura, was defeated with an overwhelming lead by re-electionist Maguindanao Gov. Esmael Mangudadatu during the 2013 gubernatorial race in the province.

At least 34 of the 36 mayors in Maguindanao belong to the administration's Liberal Party, whose provincial figurehead is Mangudadatu.

Binay lashed at his critics in his speech while at Sultan Kudarat, boasting of his accomplishments while yet mayor of Makati City.

"Ang aking mga katunggali ay pangako nang pangako. Ako nagawa na po ang lahat ng 'yan," he said.