Cayetano: Binay tried to use Pag-ibig fund for political campaign

Senate Majority Floor Leader Alan Peter Cayetano. Photo courtesy of Cayetano’s Facebook page.

MANILA – Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano on Thursday revealed that Vice President Jejomar Binay tried to use the fund of Pag-Ibig to fund his political advertisement in 2012 or 2013, however its president, Darlene Berberabe rejected it.

Quoting officials from Pag-Ibig, Cayetano said that the idea about the advertisement was from a member of Pag-Ibig’s board Tomaz Lopez.

“They wanted to use Pag-Ibig for politics. Pag-Ibig head, Ms. Berberabe, opposed this, arguing that if they were going to run a commercial, it should not be political,” explained Cayetano.

He added, “There’s infighting there because the head is a good person.

”

Cayetano also mentioned that Binay was able to get some of the directors to agree with his plan, however he could say how many.

Binay used to be the head of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council, an office under the President that includes Pag-Ibig Fund.

The Senator also added that companies that were awarded by Binay with contracts for construction of mass housing projects should also be investigated.

“I don’t think it should be given priority but I don’t think that it should be swept under the rug. The executive should also investigate that,” he said.

In the meantime, Sen. Koko Pimentel said that the Senate blue ribbon subcommittee planned to invite Berberabe for questioning regarding a contract with a security agency linked to the Vice President’s aide.

The subcommittee will resume its hearings on January 22 and will invite Berberabe to discuss the alleged anomalies in Makati including the deal with Omni Security Investigation and General Services.