Binay denies campaigning in Negros

BACOLOD CITY – Vice President Jejomar Binay denied that he was campaigning in Negros Occidental, even as he was in the province from Thursday to yesterday to meet with multisectoral groups.

Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr., who has declared his support for Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas II, accused Binay of engaging in premature campaigning.

Binay said he was not campaigning, as the campaign period has not yet started. He said he was merely introducing himself and there were people who want to know him and his plans for 2016.

Binay on Thursday met with fishermen and informal settlers in the villages of Banago and Vista Alegre here.

On Friday, he visited the public markets in the cities of Talisay and Silay.

He attended a fellowship organized by multi-sectoral groups at the Bacolod City National High School.

Yesterday, the Vice President keynoted the 69th Annual Representatives Assembly of the Negros Occidental Teachers Foundation.

He distributed wheelchairs and medical equipment in Murcia, whose mayor, Andrew Montelibano, is provincial chairman of the United Nationalist Alliance.

Binay described his three-day visit as “very fruitful.”

Marañon said Binay would not win in Negros Occidental, as the province is a “Mar country.”

He cited the results of the 2010 vice presidential elections in the province, wherein Roxas got 707,313 votes, while Binay 221,679.

Binay said he does not believe that the province is a “Mar country,” citing the turnout during his visit.

Term limit

Binay clarified his stand on the lifting of term limits of elected officials, saying he was only referring to the removal of the three-term limit for local officials.

“At the local government, we should let the people decide if they want to continue re-electing their officials,” he said.

The Vice President said the lifting of term limits could address the issue on political dynasties, as politicians would have no reason to ask their relatives to take over a post once they reach their term limits.

For national government posts, Binay suggested a return to the practice under the 1935 Constitution, wherein presidents and vice presidents serve a four-year term, but with the possibility of one reelection.