Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — Vice President Jejomar Binay categorically denied that he had a hand in the disqualification case filed against Sen. Grace Poe before the Senate Electoral Tribunal.
“Malinis ang konsensya ko diyan. Sinasabi ko nga sa’yo wala akong nalalaman,” Binay told the media during his visit in Tarlac.
[Translation: “My conscience is clear. I’m telling you, I don’t know anything about it.”]
In his protest before the Senate Electoral Tribunal, losing senatorial bet Rizalito David wants Poe ousted because he claims she is a foundling and not a natural-born Filipino.
David used to be a staff of former Sen. Francisco “Kit” Tatad, a Binay ally.
Now that the case had been filed, Binay said it would now be up to Poe to answer the allegations against her.
“Naghain na sa hukuman ‘di tingnan ho natin ang proseso. Siyempre pasasagutin ang inihabla,” Binay said.
[Translation: “A case has been filed, so let’s observe the process. Of course, the respondent will be given opportunity to answer.”]
Binay also said that the Filipino people would be the ones to benefit from this – not him.
“Para once and for all mawala na ‘yung issue,” he added.
[Translation: “This issue should be clarified once and for al.”l]
Despite his denial, Binay continued to hit Poe in his speeches.
As he made his rounds in Tarlac, he claimed that the next leader of the country should have experience and competence.
He also took a shot at Filipinos who chose to renounce their Filipino citizenship.
David clears Binay
After his failed attempt to file the petition yesterday, David appealed for donations so he could push through with the filing.
David said that calls started coming in from people who wanted to support his cause, but none of them was Binay or anyone from his camp.
“Yung mga batuhan ng akusasyon kung ako’y binabayaran o may mga politiko na nasa likuran ko o ako ay pakawala, yan po ay walang katotohanan. Dahil meron akong masidhing pag-galang sa aking sarili, na hindi ako magpapagamit kahit kanino,” David said.
[Translation: “Those accusations being thrown at me saying I was paid or that there’s a politician behind me, are not true. Because I have self-respect, and I won’t let myself be used by anyone.”]
David’s petition includes Poe’s 2013 certificate of candidacy as evidence, where she stated that she had been a resident in the Philippines for over six years at the time of the 2013 polls.
It is the same certificate of candidacy that was presented by Rep. Toby Tiangco, interim president of the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA), who earlier questioned Poe’s residency.
Bongbong’s ‘Brotherly’ advice to Grace
Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. offered some “brotherly advice” to Poe on the issues thrown against her.
In a playful manner and referring to Poe as “sis,” Marcos said Poe could take care of herself.
“She does not need my help in any way,” Marcos said.
But if she would need it, Marcos said he would help her out, “not because of any suspected familial connection but [as a] friend and colleague.”
Marcos said Poe is tougher than she looks and will come out with her dignity intact.
