Palace ensures protection of VP’s rights

President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during a dialoque with reformists and like-minded public servants from government and civil society at the Rizal Hall of Malacanang Palace Friday, September 12, 2014.(Photo by Gil Nartea/Malacanang Photo Bureau)

MANILA – Following the Senate inquiry conducted on the alleged corruption cases involving Vice President Jejomar Binay and his family, Malacañang reiterated yesterday that they will protect the rights of Binay in all the investigations.

“We will try to keep all the processes on a very professional level,” President Aquino said referring to the ongoing probe on the corruption allegations raised against Binay.

“We will not countenance anybody manufacturing evidence against you,” Aquino added.

The president revealed last Monday that Binay asked him to convince his allies in the Senate to ‘go slow’ on the probe.

“Tinanong niya (Binay) ako if I (can) talk to some of the allies in the Senate. Sabi ko, kako, pakitanong mo na lang sa anak mo: Iyung Senado (I said ask your daughter Sen. Nancy, because the Senate) is known for being 24 independent republics,” Aquino told reporters.

He added that Ombudsman still has the primary jurisdiction over the issue.

Presdential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr., meanwhile, said that Binay has pledge his support to Aquino until his term ends.