Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — A day after President Benigno Aquino III delivered his final State of the Nation Address (SONA), Vice President Jejomar Binay teased the media on Tuesday (July 28) that he would deliver his response to Aquino’s SONA through his own address to the nation.
In what he dubbed as the “True State of the Nation,” Binay said he would respond to the important points Aquino has raised.
He refused to divulge the details of his speech, saying that he would deliver it in “due time.”
Binay said his address would answer the questions directed at him.
His spokesperson, Rico Quicho, said that Aquino’s “potshots” against Binay were expected, considering his recent resignation from the Cabinet.
Related: VP Binay steps down from Cabinet
“It is a small price to pay for showing the people the palpak at manhid governance of the administration,” Quicho said.
United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) spokesperson Mon Ilagan added that Aquino was probably hurt by the “truthful accusations of Binay” that’s why he took a shot at him in his speech.
Vice President Binay has repeatedly called the Aquino administration insensitive and incompetent.
Watch: VP Binay slams Aquino administration
Palace unfazed
Malacañan was unfazed by Binay’s plan to conduct his “true state of the nation” speech.
Presidential Communications Secretary Herminio “Sonny” Coloma Jr. even pointed out that there was no stopping Binay from delivering his own speech as this is a democratic country.
Coloma said it would be up to the public to judge who was telling the truth, Aquino or Binay.
“Ang bayan ang ultimong magpapasya,” he said.
As far as the Palace iwas concerned, President Aquino had been truthful in his speeches, and to Filipinos.
