Senator Nancy Binay has urged her two younger siblings, incumbent Makati Mayor Abigail Binay and former Mayor Junjun Binay, both running for mayor, to just stick to their platforms and set aside personal issues after they figured in a verbal tussle during an election forum in Makati.
The younger Binays engaged in a heated argument towards the end of the forum Sunday, at the San Ildefonso Parish Church, sponsored by the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting.
Their father, former Vice President Jejomar Binay, who is seeking a congressional seat and backing the mayoral bid of Abigail, and supporters of both candidates meddled to ease tension inside the church.
On Monday, Mayor Binay denounced her siblings who, she said, accused her of doing nothing for the welfare of city residents, especially those in need of health and other basic services.
Makati City police chief Rogelio Simon, Vice Mayor Monique Lagdameo and other local candidates were also present during the event.
A video of the scene showing how Jejomar Erwin Binay lost his cool had since gone viral on Facebook. The organizer said “this is the first time that happened inside a church.”
Jejomar Erwin is seeking a political comeback, running against Abigail in the May 13 midterm polls.
Abigail is being endorsed by the elder Binay while Junjun is enjoying the support of the senator.
In an interview over ABS-CBN News Channel, the senator cried and told Abigail they would still remain a family.
“For me, this is just simple, if we are no longer have position, at the end of the day, all those around us will also disappear, but we, your family, will always be there for her,” she said.
The senator, the eldest among the children of the former Vice President and Dr. Elenita Binay, who also served as Makati mayor, is backing Junjun’s return to the mayoral seat.
The senator also noted that as a parent, she could see and feel the pain of their parents due to the fighting between their two children.
“They are no longer young. I hope during their remaining years, I hope we should be helping each other to make them happy,” said the senator.
Abby and Junjun, seated beside each other, joined other Makati City mayoral candidates in the pre-election forum.
After Abby delivered her closing address, she and her brother, engaged in a heated argument in front of the bewildered audience and their respective supporters who turned rowdy.
In her scathing closing statement, Abby was obviously alluding to Junjun, her strongest rival for mayor.
“I appeal to other candidates to stop spreading lies, stop besmirching my reputation. You will not win by attacking me,” said Abby.
When the incumbnt mayor returned to her seat, Junjun confronted her that resulted in a heated spat. The crowd shouted the names of their resepctive candidates.
The former Vice President Binay stood between the warring siblings and physically separated them. Junjun sat beside his running mate, Monsour del Rosario while Abby joined him at the other end of the stage.