Binay vows to be an active VP, to focus on LGUs

(Updated 12:33 am June 10) Enhancing the capabilities of local government units will be the focus of Vice President-elect Jejomar Binay once he assumes office on June 30. Interviewed by reporters after his proclamation Wednesday afternoon, Binay, the outgoing mayor of Makati City, assured that he would be "an active vice president" to President-elect Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III. "Yes, you can be sure that I will not be that vice president [who’s just a] spare tire. I assure you that I will be an active vice president," he said. Binay said he is aware of the difficult tasks ahead but added that he is ready for it. "Malaking responsibilad ang haharapain natin, mga problemang haharapin. Maraming taon na pinagtangkaang itama, ito ay malaking hamon sa aking pamumuno (I’ll be facing big responsibilities and problems, but I consider them as a challenge to my leadership)," he said.
Noting his experience as a mayor of Makati since 1986, Binay said he would prioritize the development of local government units. "Yung pinangako ko, pagtulong upang umunlad ang ating local government dahil sa aking paniniwala pag maunlad ang local government magiging maunlad ang bansa (That has been my promise, to help local government units. Because I believe that progressive local government units can lead to a progressive nation)," he said. He has consistently expressed willingness to take the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) post. "Kung pagbabatayan ang karanasan wala na akong ibang masabing opisina bukod sa DILG tutal naman ako ang pinaka-senior sa lahat ng local government officials dahil andun ako since February 1986 pa, anim na beses akong naglingkod bilang punong lungsod," Binay said. (Since I’m the most senior among local government officials, and that I’ve been mayor since February 1986, I think I deserve to be in the DILG.) He refused to answer when asked of his options if the DILG portfolio will not be given to him. He, however, clarified that it would not be a case of DILG or nothing. Binay still can’t believe he’s the new VP Binay started his day by attending Mass with his family the morning of his proclamation. Visitors likewise trooped to his home, including Council on Philippine Affairs secretary-general Pastor “Boy" Saycon who showed the Vice President-elect the group’s “Noynoy-Binay" posters. Inside the coaster used by his family, Binay’s grandchildren tirelessly sang his campaign jingles on the way to Batasang Pambansa for the proclamation. In an exclusive interview by GMA News’ John Consulta, Binay admitted to feeling jittery despite preparations. “Hindi ako makapaniwalang vice president na pala ako (I still can’t believe I’m already the Vice President)," said Binay, who wore a barong tagalog designed by Randy Ortiz for the proclamation. Accolades started pouring in right after Binay’s proclamation. “I think he'll make a terrific vice president. What he did in Makati, he can do to the whole country," said Pangasinan Rep. Jose de Venecia. Aquino’s girlfriend, Valenzuela City councilor Shalani Soledad, likewise extended her congratulations to Binay. “We hope that our newly elected Vice President will work closely with our newly elected President para tuluy-tuloy yung isinusulong nating pagbabago (to sustain our pursuit of reforms)," Soledad told GMA News. For the meantime, to celebrate his proclamation, Binay said he would play badminton. "Magba-badminton ako pagkatapos nito (I’ll play badminton after his)," he told reporters after the Congress adjourned its joint public session for the proclamation. Aquino to hold talks with Binay Aquino meanwhile said that he is going to talk with Binay in the coming days to determine which issues to prioritize when both of them assume office on June 30. “Mag-uusap po kami kung saan pa kami puwedeng magkatugma—sa pananaw, sa metodolohiyang gagawin natin at sa direksyon ng mga priorities," he said in a one-on-one interview with GMA News’ Jessica Soho. (We will still have to talk about where we could on – our views, methodology and the direction of our priorities.) Aquino said he will try to build a “harmonious relationship" with Binay because he was the one chosen by the electorate. “Siya po ang naproklama. Kailangan po tayong gumalang sa kagustuhan ng taong-bayan (He was the one proclaimed. We need to respect the will of the people," he said.- With Jerrie M. Abella, Andreo C. Calonzo, KBK/JV, GMANews.TV