Former vice president Jejomar Binay will be a “constructive voice” in the House of Representatives, his spokesman Joey Salgado said Tuesday.
“He does not believe in obstructionist politics or opposing just for the sake of opposing. The former vice president will be a constructive voice in Congress,” Salgado said.
On Monday, Binay’s daughter, Makati City Mayor Abigail Binay, said her father intends to run for the city’s first district congressional position in the May 2019 mid-term elections.
If elected, the Binay patriarch intends to support policies and programs that will improve the lives of the poor and the middle class, Salgado said.
“In the same manner, he will point out policies and programs that could burden our countrymen. But he will also propose solutions,” he added.
Binay, Salgado said, feels that there is so much discord and division in the country today.
“It’s about time we begin listening to each other and working together. This is the way to move our country forward. Upholding the dignity of every Filipino should be a shared goal, whether one is with the administration or the opposition. It is an aspiration that should unite all political parties,” Salgado said.
Binay, who served as city chief executive from 1986 to 1998, and from 2001 to 2010, would also work to ensure that residents of the city’s First District will continue to receive the “Binay brand of service” in terms of relevant health, education and social services.
As city mayor, he implemented pioneering initiatives such as the Yellow Card Program which provides city government-subsidized medical and hospitalization assistance. Makati students received free school supplies, workbooks, bags, and shoes. Under Binay’s term, the local government also expanded the benefits for senior citizens to include free movies and cash allowances.
The elder Binay will be facing former Makati mayor Romulo Peña Jr. in the congressional race.
