Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — Vice President Jejomar Binay filed another libel case against former Makati Vice Mayor Ernesto Mercado on Friday (September 18).
The criminal case, which was lodged before Assistant City Prosecutor Diomer Priela of the Makati City Hall of Justice, stemmed from Mercado’s allegations that Binay asked for condominium units from property developers in exchange for favors — including tax and building permits.
Lawyer Claro Certeza, Binay’s counsel, said such allegations were libelous and developers themselves denied giving condominium units to Binay when he was still Makati mayor.
Prior to this, Binay sued Mercado, a former ally of his, for libel in relation to accusations that he pocketed P200 million from an allegedly shady deal between the Boy Scouts of the Philippines (BSP) and developer Alphaland Corp.
“The series of libel complaints filed by the vice president shows his commitment to answer and refute the accusations against him in the proper forum in accordance with the rule of law,” Certeza said.
Mercado had been appearing in an ongoing Senate probe against allegations of corruption in Makati during Binay’s term as the city’s chief executive.
Earlier in the day, Binay had a boodle fight with residents of Barangay Bambang in Pasig City.
The vice president has been having boodle fights in various communities nationwide since he announced his presidential bid.
CNN Philippines’ Ivy Saunar contributed to this report.
