VP Binay appoints NP ally as his spokesman

Cavite Gov. Jonvic Remulla (Facebook photo)

MANILA — Vice President Jejomar Binay has appointed Nacionalista Party (NP) ally Cavite Gov. Jonvic Remulla as his spokesman for the 2016 national and local elections.

”I will speak in behalf of the Vice President,” said Remulla, whose appointment was revealed during Binay’s press conference on Wednesday on the alleged overpriced Makati City Hall Building 2 at the Coconut Palace in Pasay City.

Remulla and his local Magdalo Party in Cavite supported the presidential bid of NP president and former senator Manny Villar in 2010.

He, however, clarified that his decision to shift loyalty to Binay as the latter’s spokesman for 2016 polls does not involve political party affiliation.

”It’s not between NP and Vice President but between me and VP Binay. There is no alliance to speak up because even the (NP) party has not announced its standard bearer,” Remulla explained.

The Cavite governor also clarified that he is not an official of NP but his brother former Congressman Gilbert Remulla, who is the NP chairman for Cavite province.

”Magdalo coalition with NP will remain. Who knows NP and VP Binay might join. That’s only speculation but it can happen,” he said.

When asked if Villar was the economist he wanted to be the running mate in 2016, Binay blurted “secret.”

The appointment of Remulla as Binay’s spokesman was a product of long discussion that started even before the 2013 mid-term elections.

”My appointment was made two months ago and it has a blessing of NP president (former) senator Manny Villar,” Remulla said.

Remulla said his appointment will not also conflict with the job of Toby Tiangco, secretary general and spokesman of the opposition United Nationalist Alliance (UNA).

”I will speak in his (Tiangco) capacity as the vice president spokesman. Congressman Tiangco will talk about the broad political spectrum. I will speak in behalf of the vice president,” he said.

When asked why he supported Binay, the Cavite governor said the Vice President is the most qualified person to be the President in 2016.

”I believe with Vice President and in his vision for the country. I believe what he can do, what he did in Makati, he can do for the entire country. I believe in his sincerity and integrity,” he said.

When reached for comment, NP senator Antonio Trillanes said Binay is in panic mode.

Trillanes as well as fellow NP senator Alan Peter Cayetano is member of the Senate Blue Ribbon sub-committee that is investigating the alleged overpriced Makati City Hall building.

Cayetano and Trillanes have been contemplating of seeking higher position in 2016.

Tiangco earlier admitted that the allegations that Binay received kickbacks from the construction of the carpark building has forced them to announce early the appointment of Remulla.