Binay’s supporters protest violently against suspension order

Makati City Mayor Jejomar Erwin “Junjun” Binay (Photo from Binay’s Facebook page)

MANILA – Makati City Mayor Jejomar Erwin “Junjun” Binay received his second suspension order from the officials of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Tuesday.

Thousands of Binay’s supporters then rallied violently, pushing police barricades and even throwing bottled waters and monobloc chairs at them. At least five civilians and three policemen were injured from the protest.

The Ombudsman’s suspension order against Binay, however, remained posted at the entrance of the Makati City Hall as the DILG officials were not allowed to serve it personally.

The DILG officials earlier stated that they would implement the preventive suspension order in the ‘most expeditious and peaceable way.’

“This stands as a lawful order of the Ombudsman, a constitutionally-created and independent office of the Republic. The Department is duty-bound to implement the said order in the most expeditious and peaceable way,” the DILG earlier said in an official statement.

Binay has been issued two six-month preventive suspension orders in relation to corruption allegations against him and his family.

With the first suspension, the Binay was able to secure a 60-day temporary restraining order (TRO) from the Court of Appeals.

With the suspension anew, Binay continued to refuse acknowledging the order and remained at his office. His camp has already started considering legal actions to counter the suspension order.

Aside from Binay, 14 other city officials were also given the preventive suspension order. These were Lorenza Amores, Mario Badillo, Nelia Barlis, Giovanni Condes, Pio Kenneth Dasal, Norman Flores, Ralph Liberato, Cecilio Lim III, Eleno Mendoza Jr., Ulysses Orienza, Raydes Pestaño, Leonila Querijero, Gerardo San Gabriel and Manolito Uyaco.

Meanwhile, Interior Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas II had not yet seen the suspension order personally as he was still in Cebu with President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III for a ground breaking ceremony when the suspension was ordered.