It’s good governance over friendship for PNoy in Binay issue –Palace

President Benigno Aquino III will give more weight to good governance over friendship in considering the corruption allegations against Vice President Jejomar Binay, Malacañang said Thursday.

Deputy presidential spokesperson Undersecretary Abigail Valte said at a press briefing that Aquino had long proven that he puts his reform agenda first and not personal relationships.

"Tingin ko naipakita na ho ng Pangulo kung ano ‘yung nangingibabaw pagdating ho sa kanya...  ‘Di ba ang sabi nga ng Pangulo, the truth shall set you free?" Valte told reporters.

The Palace official however emphasized that Aquino has yet to evaluate the truth or falsity of the accusations against Binay.

"Wala pa siyang masyadong impormasyon doon sa mga alegasyon. Ang impormasyon ng Pangulo dumadating mula doon sa mga reports galing din sa media," Valte said.

Earlier this month, Aquino said he is monitoring the Senate probe on Binay, with hopes that the investigation will lead to the truth.

Accusations vs. Binay

Binay, a close family friend of the Aquinos, is facing a plunder complaint before the Office of the Ombudsman for alleged irregularities in the construction of the P2.5-billion Makati City Hall Building II.
 
The controversial building was built in 2007, when Bomau was still Makati mayor.

Several witnesses in the Senate probe on the Makati building, including former Vice Mayor Ernesto Mercado, have accused Binay of benefiting from projects by the city government during his incumbency as mayor.
 
Binay, a strong presidential candidate in 2016 based on surveys, has repeatedly denied involvement in any wrongdoing, describing allegations against him as politically motivated.

Procurement reforms

Valte further said that the Palace supports reforms in the procurement process of local governments being proposed as a result of the Senate probe on Binay.

The Palace official said such moves will institutionalize the "transparent" bidding process already being practiced by the Aquino administration.

"As far as the administration is concerned, we have taken steps to make sure that bidding is open and transparent under this administration," she said.

Valte particularly expressed interest on the proposal to record on video and make public the bidding process for government projects. —KBK, GMA News