Binay denies starting "campaign" for 2016

CEBU, Philippines - Vice President Jejomar Binay denied that his visits to the provinces are the start of his preparations for the presidential elections on 2016.

“Malayo pa yun, kelangan pa nating magtrabaho,” he said in an interview with The FREEMAN during his visit to Bien Unido, Bohol last Sunday.

“Wag muna yang pulitika, public service muna. Andami pang kailangang gawin para sa taong bayan tulad ng 3.6 million housing units para sa lahat ng homeless na pamilyang Pilipino. Kailangan pa nating tuparin yan,” Binay added.

He explained that the project needs coordination among local government units, thus, his visits to the provinces.

Still, Binay admitted that his political party, Partido Demokratiko Pilipino – Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) in which he is president, has been working to strengthen its clout in the Visayas and Mindanao.

In an earlier interview with former senator and house speaker Jose “Joey” de Venecia III, secretary general of PDP-Laban, he admitted that the party candidates during the 2010 elections, Binay included, did not exactly fare well in the Visayas and Mindanao. He admitted that he is among those considered to run for senator in 2013 and that efforts are underway to “solidify” their presence in these two regions. 

Binay remains to have a higher popularity rating than President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino.

After Bien Unido where he led the groundbreaking ceremony for Bohol Yacht Club’s new building, Binay moved to the town of Danao, an hour ride from the Bien Unido, for another event.

Last July 6, he was in Zamboanga City to lead the oath-taking of the new members of his political party.   - (THE FREEMAN)