Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin “Junjun” Binay, Jr. said he will still file his Certificate of Candidacy (CoC) for the mayoral race in Makati within the week despite the decision of the Office of the Ombudsman to dismiss him from his post and to perpetually disqualify him from seeking public office.
Binay said there is no reason for him not to seek re-election because the Ombudsman’s order is not the final judgment yet.
“Well there’s no reason for me not to file my Certificate of Candidacy. Lahat naman ng mga abogado na mahuhusay sa larangan ng eleksyon, lahat sila isa ang sinasabi, na walang dahilan,” said Binay.
The mayor however said he believes his dismissal is part of a so-called evil design.
Binay recalled how he was suspended twice from his post and then removed from his position in less than a year.
He added that he has yet to receive the Ombudsman’s order but he is planning to file a Motion for Reconsideration before the Court of Appeals within the week.
His sister, Makati Rep. Abigail Binay, meanwhile, said the Binay family has yet to decide on whether there will be changes in their political plans following the Ombudsman’s ruling.
“Hindi po napagdesisyunan kung ano yung political plan. So as far as the appeal is concerned, gagawin talaga ‘yun,” said the congresswoman.
Abigail earlier said that if Mayor Binay will no longer be allowed to run, she may seek the mayoral post of Makati.
However, the congresswoman, whose term expires next year, confirmed that her husband Luis Campos would run for congress to replace her.
