Yabut backs Jojo Binay’s bid in Makati mayoral race
March 7, 2001 | 12:00am
Former Metropolitan Manila Development Authority chairman Jejomar Binay has found an unlikely supporter in Nemesio "Toro" Yabut III in his bid for Makati City mayor in the election this May.
Yabut, who went toe-to-toe with Dr. Elenita Binay for the top position in Makati City in the 1998 elections, has decided to reconcile with the Binay family for this year’s election in a change of political strategy.
He has accepted the role of campaign manager for Binay’s running mate Ernesto Mercado under the PDP-Laban party.
Yabut revealed that he was offered the post of tourism undersecretary in the present administration in exchange for dropping his support for Binay. He disclosed that President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo herself made the offer through his mother who is a longtime friend of the President.
"Lakas officials are aware of the strength of Binay and with me on their side, that would ensure a fairly good fight for the opposition ticket in the coming elections," Yabut said.
Yabut pointed out that he turned down the offer as his mind was already made up to fully support the PDP Laban ticket in Makati City. Reports have it that Yabut’s move is strategic as he is reportedly planning to run for office in the 2004 elections.
In 1992, Yabut became vice mayor of Makati City in an alliance with Jejomar Binay under the PDP Laban. In 1998, he decided to jump over to the Lakas party in a bid for city mayor.
Yabut explained that his decision to run against Binay in the 1998 elections was not intentional as he was hoping to get the support of the incumbent for his bid as mayor.
The decision of PDP-Laban to field Mrs. Binay then, came as a surprise to Yabut and prompted him to turn to Lakas for support. – Marvin Sy
Yabut, who went toe-to-toe with Dr. Elenita Binay for the top position in Makati City in the 1998 elections, has decided to reconcile with the Binay family for this year’s election in a change of political strategy.
He has accepted the role of campaign manager for Binay’s running mate Ernesto Mercado under the PDP-Laban party.
Yabut revealed that he was offered the post of tourism undersecretary in the present administration in exchange for dropping his support for Binay. He disclosed that President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo herself made the offer through his mother who is a longtime friend of the President.
"Lakas officials are aware of the strength of Binay and with me on their side, that would ensure a fairly good fight for the opposition ticket in the coming elections," Yabut said.
Yabut pointed out that he turned down the offer as his mind was already made up to fully support the PDP Laban ticket in Makati City. Reports have it that Yabut’s move is strategic as he is reportedly planning to run for office in the 2004 elections.
In 1992, Yabut became vice mayor of Makati City in an alliance with Jejomar Binay under the PDP Laban. In 1998, he decided to jump over to the Lakas party in a bid for city mayor.
Yabut explained that his decision to run against Binay in the 1998 elections was not intentional as he was hoping to get the support of the incumbent for his bid as mayor.
The decision of PDP-Laban to field Mrs. Binay then, came as a surprise to Yabut and prompted him to turn to Lakas for support. – Marvin Sy
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