With Joker et al.’s support, Binay need not fear Senate

MABINI stalwarts led by former senators Joker Arroyo, Rene Saguisag and their fellow “human rights” lawyer Mariano Sarmiento II have finally come out in support of the Binay family. Perhaps Vice President Jejomar Binay will now find more comfort, security and assurance that his rights will be respected by the Senate blue ribbon subcommittee investigating alleged anomalies in Makati, involving public funds sneaked during his long stint as mayor of that city.

The three musketeers can always breathe down the necks of Senators Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III and Antonio “Sonny” Trillanes IV in case they get out of line. Those senators owe them big-time for free legal services in the past, as Saguisag reminded them during the last, aborted hearing. That—in addition to the fact that the Vice President already has a daughter in the Senate, Sen. Nancy Binay, who is herself turning out to be such a firebrand to reckon with—should put to rest all apprehensions na baka kakaladkarin lang daw siya doon. She’s definitely out to take care of and protect family business first and foremost! She can hale any colleague before the ethics committee of the Senate itself for any perceived abuse of power or authority. So, what is the Vice President so freaking scared of?

His media handlers keep saying their “Rambotito” had faced more formidable odds before, that he is not one to run away from a fight, that it is just the principle of the thing: By appearing before the Senate, he would be diminishing the honor, prestige and independence of his office. Unabashed balderdash!

In 2011, former vice president Noli de Castro did oblige an invitation to appear before the Senate. This was during an investigation of some anomalies involving Pag-Ibig funds during his watch as chair of the board of directors. He had nothing to hide, so no problemo. He came out of that probe unscathed. He aced it and cleared his name. His office was never seen as having been diminished by his foray into the Senate to field questions truthfully.

But perhaps, Binay just has too many skeletons in his closet? And then there is the very studious and punctilious Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano, a loose cannon and unbeholden to the Joker and his chest-beating ilk! So, Houston, there is still a problem, no? (Oh, by the way, I’m just curious, where was he last Jan. 29 when Senators Koko and Sonny were licking the boots of Arroyo and Saguisag?)

—MARITES DELA MERCED,

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