Poe won’t grant pardon for Binay if he is convicted

Sen. Grace Poe – Llamanzares. Photo from Poe’s official Facebook page.

MANILA — If she becomes president, Senator Grace Poe will  not grant pardon for Vice President Jejomar Binay, if he is convicted and imprisoned for corruption.

“Any president in office–after this president [Aquino]–who pardons them will lose his or her legitimacy,” said Poe referring to Binay.

The senator made the statement during the Rotary Club of Manila’s Journalism Awards.

Poe, who is the chairperson of the Senate committee on public information and mass media,, attended the awarding ceremony.

“I don’t think people will be confident in that administration. And even if let’s say — he (Binay) is one of them — he wins and he actually assumes office, and he pardons the others, I think he will start with the wrong foot and I don’t think that administration will last,” she added.

Binay is now facing plunder and graft charges over the alleged overpricing of the Makati City Hall Building 2.

Poe, meanwhile, clarified that she does not hold any grudge against Binay, who will be running for president in next year’s elections.

On earlier report, Binay’s camp brought up the issue on Poe’s illegibility to run for President or Vice President in the election next year.

Poe, however said that she is even thankful that Binay’s camp brought up the issue.

“I would like to thank my detractors because they actually brought it to the consciousness of the people, and it has given me a chance to explain my side,” she said.

Poe, who is still mum on running for a higher post in the elections next year also said that she will not team up with UNA, in case she decides to run.

“I don’t want to sound arrogant or conceited, but the point is with regards to partnering up with somebody, you should have full confidence in that person. I think it was clear in 2013 na itinakwil na nila kami,” the senator said.

“Friendships are important, families are important. But once you become an elected public official, your first and foremost obligation and loyalty should be to the people,” she added.