RP has no law for official vice presidential residence

If Vice President Jejomar Binay wants to have an official office and residence, he should talk to Congress since Philippine laws do not provide such for vice presidents. a Malacañang official said on Tuesday. Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda made the suggestion in reaction to Binay's statement that the Office of the Vice President should be given more dignity and respect and therefore must have its own office and residence. Lacierda, a constitutional law expert, said that since there is nothing in Philippine laws that provide an official office and residence for the OVP, Binay must talk to Congress leaders to determine if legislation is necessary for it.

Lacierda pointed out that in the United States, the vice president stays at the Naval Observatory. "If you follow the US system, the vice president stays in the [Naval] Observatory and he has an official residence. It's up to our legislature, to Congress, to the legislative department. If they feel that the vice president should be entitled to an official residence, then let them legislate so," Lacierda said at a press briefing. Lacierda said he does not think of Binay's request as "capricious," saying the OVP deserves the "appropriate respect and dignity." Lacierda said Binay can also talk to the country's budget managers if he feels that the budget for the OVP is not enough, as the executive department is set to submit is budget proposal to Congress next month. On Monday, Binay's camp said they are eyeing the Coconut Palace as Binay's possible office and home. The venue was offered by President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III during their meeting at the latter’s Times Street residence days before their June 30 inauguration. - Jam L. Sisante/KBK, GMANews.TV