Makati Mayor Binay seeks Fil-Am vote in Pasadena

By Joseph Pimentel, North America News Bureau | 06/19/2009 10:00 AM

PASADENA, CA—Jojo Binay reaffirmed his stance that he will run for president of the Philippines in 2010. The Makati city mayor campaigned in Pasadena earlier this week making his intentions and agenda known.

“Yes, I’ve been campaigning for the presidency. I’ve offered myself as a candidate for that position on the very day of my birthday on November 11, and so far so good,” Binay said.

Just a few weeks ago, Binay went on record saying that he was willing to slide down to vice presidency if former president Joseph Estrada runs again. Binay said it would be a move to unite the opposition party. Political pundits criticized the flip-flopping. But Binay says that all voters need to do is take a good look at his city, Makati, the Philippines' financial capital.

“In terms of governance, I would say that I was able to perform, been competent with the job, and have provided the leadership needed in my city and I think I can do that for the country,” Binay affirmed.

Critics pointed out that Binay was the subject of criminal charges a few years ago, for Makati city's alleged failure to pay more than a billion pesos in taxes. Binay countered his detractors, and said those charges were politically motivated.

Others in attendance of the campaign speech just wanted to hear a presidential candidate’s agenda for the country.

“I will be very willing to get out my way to vote if, indeed, the candidate has a good agenda to make our country better off,” said an unnamed attendee.

With only 6,000 registered OFW voters in Los Angeles, many are waiting to see what other candidates have planned for the country, and if those candidates can motivate them to vote.

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