Binay thanks Erap, frat-mates for victory

Belying rumors of their rift, Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay on Tuesday thanked his running-mate, former President Joseph “Erap" Estrada, after learning that he has won the vice presidential race based on the final tally by the Congress. Binay, who finished with 14,645,574 votes, also thanked his fraternity, the Alpha Phi Omega, for supporting his candidacy. “Salamat kay Pangulong Erap at sa fraternity ko, sa Alpha Phi Omega [Thank you to President Estrada and to my fraternity, the Alpha Phi Omega]," Binay said in a radio interview after a press conference held in his residence in Makati City Tuesday afternoon. Rumors earlier circulated that Binay and Estrada, who lost the presidential race to Sen. Benigno “Noynoy" Aquino III, had a falling out after the latter was caught on video leaving blank the space for vice president in his ballot last May 10. The camp of Estrada had earlier denied that the two were not in good terms. Binay, 67, is a known supporter of the Aquino family. He was the first appointee of Aquino’s mother, the late President Corazon “Cory" Aquino, during her term. Barong Tagalog should be a must During the press conference, Binay disclosed his plans for his proclamation that is scheduled on Wednesday afternoon. For the occasion, he said he would be wearing the traditional Barong Tagalog, which he said was inspired by his recent visit to Indonesia where he attended as vice president of the International Union of Local Governments. He said he would be asking Aquino to issue an executive order requiring all male government officials to be in Barong Tagalogs whenever they attend state functions. Binay in DILG? At the same press conference, Binay also reiterated his desire to co-currently hold the post of secretary of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG). “Kung ako ay tatanungin ni Pangulong Noynoy kung saan ko gusto makapag-lingkod sa pamahalaan, ang leaning ko talaga ay ang DILG (If President Aquino would ask me what Cabinet post I want, I’ll tell him that my leaning is in DILG)," Binay said. Binay said his 20-year experience in local governance would help him head the DILG. “Labis-labis ang paniniwala ko na kapag ang ating local government ay progresibo ay magiging progresibo rin ang ating bansa (I believe that a progressive local government will lead to a progressive nation)," he said. Aquino had earlier admitted asking Binay to serve as DILG chief when the Makati mayor had still not expressed his desire to run for vice president. Aquino later backtracked on his offer after Binay agreed to be Estrada's running-mate. Naga City Mayor Jesse Robredo, a Ramon Magsaysay awardee, has since been rumored being eyed for the DILG portfolio by Aquino. Binay said he would respect Aquino's decision if he would choose Robredo over him. — KBK, GMANews.TV