Binay vows to tell truth in first presidential debate

United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) standard-bearer Vice President Jejomar Binay said he would tell “only the truth” in the first presidential debate in Cagayan de Oro City today.

Binay would be among presidential candidates attending the first PILIPINAS Debates 2016, organized by the Commission on Elections.

The event would be held today at the Capitol University from 5 to 7 p.m. hosted by GMA-7 and the Philippine

Daily Inquirer.

All presidential candidates – Binay, Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago, Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, Sen. Grace Poe and Manuel Roxas II of the administration Liberal Party – have confirmed their attendance.

The topics are agriculture development, poverty reduction and asset creation and redistribution, Charter change and the peace and order situation.

Binay is also expected to answer the allegations of corruption as he was the subject of a Senate inquiry into the allegedly overpriced Makati City Hall Building II, which was built during his term as local chief executive.

The Vice President repeatedly refused to appear before the Senate subcommittee notwithstanding several summons issued.

Last Jan. 26, the Senate Blue Ribbon subcommittee wrapped up its investigation on corruption allegations against Binay after holding 25 hearings.

In its partial report on its investigation, the Senate panel recommended the filing of plunder and graft charges against Binay.

“I will only tell the truth, why do I have to prepare,” Binay told reporters when asked how he is preparing for the face off with rival presidential candidates.

Binay also said agriculture would be one of the priorities of his administration, as the sector would generate jobs for majority of Filipinos who live in rural areas.

“We should also improve rural infrastructure facilities that will support an efficient delivery system for the farmers such as farm- to- market roads connected to highways, post-harvest facilities, and irrigation,” the Vice President said.

Binay will also attend the second leg of the debates to be held in the Visayas region. The debates would be co-hosted by The STAR, TV5 and Business-World at the University of the Philippines in Cebu on March 20.

Disaster preparedness and climate change adaptation, health care, education and fighting corruption are the topics of the debate.