Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — Allegations of massive corruption continue to hound Vice President Jejomar Binay and his family.
On Tuesday (September 15), Binay was at an event that specifically tackled the issue – a transparency and governance forum at University of the Philippines-Los Baños (UPLB).
As in his previous speeches, Binay denied the allegations.
“’Yung sa graft and corruption excuse me lang, mga sinasabi sa akin at sa aking mga pamilya, puro bintang, puro kasinungalingan, mga gawaing ginawa lang,” Binay said.
And then, the opposition leader went on attack mode.
Binay first criticized the leadership style of President Benigno Aquino III.
He blamed the lack of decentralization – the distribution of power, functions, and resources away from the central government – for the slow decision-making process in government.
“Present admin is so poor in the process of decentralize, pagtitiwala. Marami pang di na-appoint kasi si pangulo gusto siya mismo titingin kung qualified o hindi.”
Binay also took potshots against his potential rivals in the presidential elections, citing their lack of experience, incompetence, and indifference.
“Presidente ng Pilipinas, hindi nag-o-OJT. Hindi pwede na pag-upo, magaaral pa that’s not the time for you to be a first timer. Maraming pagkakataon, dahil sa kakulangan ng karanasan, maraming kapalpakan.”
But Binay himself was grilled by UPLB students.
He was questioned why there is poverty in Makati and was also repeatedly asked about his performance as a Cabinet official, as well as the things he did to address the different issues hounding the government.
He explained that his functions as a vice president are limited.
On Tuesday morning, Binay attended a more friendly forum in Quezon City.
Speaking before members of the media and other sectors, he outlined his platform of government.
