Binay on early campaigning: Let's not be hypocrites

CEBU - Vice President Jejomar Binay minced no words when asked if he is engaged in early campaigning for the 2016 elections.

Speaking to reporters, Binay reiterated that he is running for president in the next election.

"I announced that as early as after the day of the [2010] election. Another occasion where I would always say, let us not be hypocrites. The following day after the 2010 election, [I said] yes, I will be running for the position of president," he said.

He also criticized a Liberal Party official who said that he is engaged in early campaigning by going around the country to explain his side on the various corruption allegations against him.

"Let'?s just be honest with each other, we will not be able to distinguish whether I am working or campaigning. Meron akong napuntahan dito OFW na kailangan ng tulong, mayroong Pag-IBIG na fino-follow up namin. Along the way, minsan, katulad nito. Let?'?s not be hypocrites. Sa incumbent, it will be very hard for you to distinguish if we are campaigning or we are working," he said.

Binay, who is facing a plunder complaint before the Ombudsman, has come under fire for various allegations being raised against him in the Senate Blue Ribbon sub-committee investigation.

Former Makati vice mayor Ernesto Mercado, Binay's former ally, said the vice president pocketed millions of pesos in kickbacks for various infrastructure while the latter was mayor of Makati.

He claimed Binay owns a 350-hectare estate in Rosario, Batangas as well as various condo units in Makati.

Binay has denied the allegations, saying these are meant to derail his presidential bid.

In the interview, the vice president confirmed that he is eyeing the possible filing of charges against accusers who are calling him a thief.

"We are contemplating already, we are called left and right na magnanakaw," he said.