Binay allows 2 children to run for Makati mayor

After talking separately to his children last Sunday, former vice president Jejomar Binay said yesterday he is allowing both his children Abigail and Junjun to run for mayor of Makati City, saying he respects their decision.

Junjun revealed recently that he and Abigail have not spoken to each other for around three months, saying the last time they talked was during his birthday, July 12.

The rift between Abigail and Junjun was supposed to be fixed by their father. Last Sunday, they were supposed to meet and talk as a family, but it did not push through.

Joey Salgado, spokesman of the elder Binay, said that Abigail and Junjun did not meet because “their father talked to them separately.”

“Nirerespeto ko ang desisyon nilang kumandidato bilang punong lungsod ng Makati... Hindi ako ang magpapasya kung sino sa kanila ang karapat-dapat na maging punong-lungsod. Ang magpapasya nyan ay ang mga mamamayan ng Makati,” the former vice president said.

The elder Binay is running as representative of the first district of Makati under the party of incumbent Mayor Abigail. She earlier said she has the blessing of their father.

Both Abigail and Junjun have proven themselves to be highly competent and experienced in government service, he said.

“Pareho kong anak sina Abby at Junjun. Napatunayan na nila na pareho silang may kakayanan at karanasan sa paglilingkod sa pamahalaan. Kapwa rin sila may malasakit at tumutulong sa mga mamamayan ng Makati,” Binay said.

He said that both of them are no longer minors, adding the only thing he could do is to advise them.

Junjun said that many people are dissatisfied with Abigail’s leadership, citing 13 councilors “bolted away” from her.