Who's Who?: Jejomar Binay

05/04/2016 09:52:27 PM

Rappler

Jejomar Binay. Hated by many, also loved (allegedly) by many, too. And can you blame those who received paychecks and cakes?

Nah, guys, it's too libelous to use such argument. Well, this guy has been a fighter for quite some time; being a human rights lawyer (pro bono) at the Marcos administration before being appointed as OIC of Makati City by President Corazon Aquino in 1986. He held the mayoralty post from the almost two decades, with only his wife taking the helm out of him for quite some time.

For two years under the Arroyo administration, he was appointed chairman of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority.

After leaving the city mayoralty in 2010, he was supposed to aim for presidency, but gave way to Joseph Estrada, stating to reclaim his regime he failed to complete. Quite questionable for the latter, though.

He decided instead to run for vice president and thus, spelling the similar fate on competing with Mar Roxas for the second top highest position in the Philippine government. He eventually won in 2010, and President Benigno Aquino III appointed him as chairman of the Housing Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC), similar to the designation of former Vice President Noli De Castro under the reign of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Also, he was the lead adviser of OFW Concerns. He spearheaded numerous cases that involved the overseas Filipino workers.

But barely four years later, he turned back on the administration; thus, signalling his aim for the presidential seat in two years time. However, his move hit a backlash against him. For several people, ot's like betrayal, hypocrisy, or in wrestling terms, turning heel. He became an instant kontrabida (antagonist) to the eyes of the general public, especially with the amount of cases filed against him involving properties that were undeclared on his statement of assets, liabilities, and net worth (SALN). Also, several graft and corruption charges circulating his misuse of funds, hiring ghost employees, illegal business, bogus charity projects, kickbacks, and everything related.

Binay and his family were called several times to appear at Senate investigation hearings to prove himself clear. However, the vice president was a “no-show”; sparking another theory on trial-of-publicity: being guilty for such.

Despite these sets of bad raps under his name, Binay is the choice for some; it might be unpopular for a lot of us. But as the campaign period progresses, he appears like working under the radar. While the other are slashing each other's throats and throwing mud into their opponent, he wasn't seen much action in the news.

But on a personal note... heck, it's too racist to lambast him for his skin, but with the actions he had done on PiliPinas Presidential Debate Cebu leg as well as taking actions (and shunning repercussions) for various allegations, Binay had a shade of character similar to that. And it's quite contrast to his claims for being decisive and competitive.

It looked like he only flaunted his linguistic arsenals when the PiliPinas Debate was held at Dagupan. He bared sensible answers more than trading personal insults.

I know, he may not be perfect, and he may be skilled enough to topple his peers for the race. But it looks like the negative has outweighed the positive on this one for one reason or another.

Could he redeem himself in this run? And should he win the presidency, how will change the perception of millions who has heir own share of disdains against him?

Is he the real underdog of this general elections? Or is it worth to dismiss him from our respective ballots?

Author: slickmaster | (c) 2016 september twenty-eight productions