VP Binay bats for one-year moratorium vs. cases against candidates

To prevent political harassment against would-be candidates, Vice President Jejomar Binay has proposed a one-year moratorium on the filing of cases against those who plan to run in the coming elections.

“Sa darating na halalan may kalaban, inaabuso ho ang pananakot na ihahabla. Sa Ombudsman, o kung meron mang kaso sa Ombudsman, ay pipilitin nang ma-akyat sa Sandigan para magkaroon pa ng preventive suspension,” Binay said in his speech during the convention of National Unity Party on Monday.

“I want to point out that there should be a moratorium. One year na i-enforce sa mga magkakandidato na wala na munang hablahan para wala nang tinatakot,” he added.

In an interview after his speech, Binay said the main idea behind his proposal was to prevent apprehensions and threats.

“Kung may moratorium, wala yung agam-agam at takot,” he said.

Binay said the threat was not just on the candidates but on the supporters as well.

“Hindi naman ito istorya lamang, ito ay tunay na nangyayari, yung mga tinatakot para sumuporta lang sa kanilang kandidato,” he added.

Binay denied that his proposal was self-serving.

“Bakit naman? Kasi tinatakot. Ang mga kakandidato hindi ba tinatakot para di na magkandidato,” he said.

Binay is now facing complaints before the Ombudsman in connection with alleged anomalies in Makati City during his stint as mayor. —NB, GMA News