THE camp of Vice President Jejomar Binay on Monday criticized Liberal Party presidential bet Manuel Roxas II for saying Makati was a drug haven while the poverty there continued in a bid to get political mileage during the presidential debate in Cagayan de Oro City on Sunday.
“Under Binay’s leadership the poverty incidence in Makati declined dramatically. No other presidential candidate can claim that,” Binay’s spokesman Joey Salgado said.
He said Makati was consistent in fighting illegal drugs, and that from 17,630 in 2000 the number of poor families in Makati dropped to only 2,645 in 2012.
Salgado made his statement even as Binay vowed to bring lasting peace and progress in Mindanao once elected president—something that he said the Aquino administration had failed to do.
“In the last four years Mindanao has taken a backseat, seeing very little in terms of development. But this will soon change under a Binay administration which plans to encourage investors, pursue reforms and provide support for infrastructure development in the region,” Binay said.
“Peace will be realized. I will use my experience to make all parties agree. If there is peace, there is progress in the entire country.”
Salgado said Makati residents were being provided a wide range of services: from free workbooks, bags and uniform to scholarships and a skills-matching program that ensured employment for the graduates of the University of Makati.
Makati residents were also receiving free medical and hospitalization.
“Experience is what our country needs and Vice President Binay has lots of it as compared to the other candidates. He is the only candidate with a track record of reducing poverty,” Salgado said.
He said the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency had consistently cited Makati for its programs against illegal drugs.
“Makati has been consistently recognized by PDEA for its anti-drug campaign, which is considered a best practice in enlisting communities in the fight against drugs,” Salgado said.
