Binay says Roxas ‘threatened’ by his candidacy

Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino (PMP) vice-presidential aspirant Jejomar Binay on Thursday said Senator Manuel Roxas II is “threatened" by his candidacy, the reason why his rival for the vice presidency is reportedly blocking an advertisement featuring Senator Francis Escudero. "Understandably, haharangin at haharangin ‘yun. They are very much threatened. Bakit nila ipagbabawal ‘yun? Ang ganda ganda pa naman (Understandably, he will block it. They are very much threatened. Why would they ban the ad? It’s a very good ad)," Binay told reporters after a press conference in Mandaluyong City on Thursday. Binay said Roxas is very much aware that Escudero’s endorsement would have a significant effect on voters, especially on the youth. "Senator Escudero’s endorsement has a very huge value. I think he is one of the highest endorsers, especially to the Bicolanos and the youth," he said.

Roxas, who continues to lead various vice-presidential preference surveys, is reportedly blocking the airing of a 30-second television advertisement where Escudero is endorsing Binay’s candidacy. The Liberal Party vice-presidential bet has denied the report, saying Escudero has the right to endorse any candidate he wishes to support. "Ang tiwala ko ay wala sa pulitiko. Ang tiwala ko ay nasa tao. Sila ‘yung nagbibigay ng lakas sa kandidatura ko at sila ang pinagkakautangan ko ng loob. Hindi po kahit sinong pulitiko," Roxas said Wednesday. With or without Escudero’s endorsement, Binay said he is "very confident" that he would win in the May 10 elections, especially with local government officials rallying behind him. "I was able to talk the language of local government officials. I have appealed to these officials, and we have talked about how we can make the country progressive, and this is through empowerment of local governments," he said. — RSJ/KBK, GMANews.TV