Why and how did Jojo Binay fall from grace?

Nothing is permanent in politics. Now that the polls are over, it’s good to learn its lessons.

The last polls demonstrated that indeed, everything and anything can happen in politics. Jojo Binay who was called “Rambotito,” for supposedly carrying guns, ala Rambo, each time President Cory was besieged by a coup, has finally fallen. Records show there were no less than seven coups in that era against Cory. The diminutive king of Makati, Jejomar, the first of the Binays, the defender of Cory, fell in the last election.

The name Jejomar is a derivative of the popular Catholic expression “Jesus Maria y Josep.” The life of Jejomar “Jojo” Binay was indeed full of grace. From a struggling human rights lawyer living in the marginalized sector of Makati, Jojo rose to become city mayor, congressman, senator, then vice president. He almost became president, if not for the many charges of unexplained wealth and other accusations, which haven’t been proven beyond reasonable doubt. He wasn’t convicted by final judgment so he should enjoy the presumption of innocence.

For lack of other opportunities as a new lawyer, Jojo befriended some anti-Marcos lawyers like Rene Saguisag, who also became a senator; Bobbit Sanchez, the most radical person ever appointed DOLE Secretary; and even Teddy Boy Locsin, who belonged to the elite and well-schooled. During the fight against the Marcos dictatorship in the martial law years, Jojo followed Lorenzo “Tanny” Tañada, Jose W. Diokno, and Chino Roces. He organized the urban poor to join demonstrations and rallies against martial law.

Jojo was active during the EDSA Revolt and Cory came to know him. When Cory came to power, she scouted for an OIC to replace Marcos-tainted Nemesio Yabut. Cory’s socialites debated between Aurora Pijuan (who lost Tommy Manotoc to Imee Marcos) and Conchitina Sevilla Bernardo (the number one socialite in Makati). They couldn’t reach a consensus. Then DILG Secretary Nene Pimentel was in a hurry to replace Yabut, and so Cory chose Jojo with Conchitina as his vice mayor. It was Makati’s beauty and best human rights lawyer.

Jojo built his political empire from there. It was always himself as mayor, his wife, son, or daughter as congressman, and so on. He became senator and vice president, beating such political titans as Loren Legarda who ran with Manny Villar, and Mar Roxas who was Noynoy's running mate. But the Binays exceeded the bounds and started to have “shame and scandal in the family.” Spoiled Mayor Junjun was dismissed for alleged plunder. Ate Abby became mayor, after her dad, mom, and younger sibling Junjun. But Junjun later wanted his turf back and Abby wouldn't hand it over. Nasty trouble embroiled the Binay Empire. Brother and sister ran for mayor. Dad sided with Abby and mom, Senator Nancy was with Junjun. Shame.

Jojo lost to Kid Pena, his underling. He earlier lost the presidency to President Digong. Jojo lost the leadership of PDP-Laban to the Pimentels. Junjun lost to Abby. Nancy went down from number five to number 12 and was almost dislodged by JV Ejercito or Bam Aquino. Rambotito's empire is crumbling at last.

And Jojo is back where he started, although still very rich, apparently. Well, that is life and politics.