CDO to host Malacañang in the South – Binay

GENERAL SANTOS CITY — Opposition presidential bet Vice President Jejomar Binay will not establish the “Malacañang in the South” in Davao City, the main trade and commerce hub in Mind- anao which is the bailiwick of his rival Mayor Rodrigo Duterte.

Speaking to reporters yesterday, Binay said he intends to establish the Office of the President in Mindanao in Cagayan de Oro City.

“There is no Malacañang in Mindanao, so I will put it here in Cagayan de Oro,” Binay said.

He did not explain why he chose the city over other commercial centers in southern Philippines.

Binay earlier said he plans to establish Malacañang in various areas in the country to bring the Office of the President closer to the people.

Aside from Cagayan de Oro, the Vice President said he intends to establish offices in Cebu and Northern and Southern Luzon if elected president.

The opposition presidential candidate campaigned in Cagayan de Oro City on Monday, promising supporters that he would be a hands- on president and will personally oversee developments in regions that have seen little progress under the present administration.

Binay went to Marawi City yesterday before flying to General Santos City, where he was scheduled to campaign for the first time with boxing icon and Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao.

Pacquiao, fresh from his successful bout in the United States on April 10, is running for the Senate under Binay’s United Nationalist Alliance.