BAGUIO CITY — The Supreme Court has given the parties in the case of Makati City Mayor Jejomar Erwin “Junjun” Binay Jr. a “non-extendible” period of 30 days within which to submit their respective comments.
During the oral arguments, Chief Justice Maria Lourdes P. Aranal Sereno expounded that the Commission on Elections (Commission) has made a confirmation that there are 690,502 elective officials.
”Anything we say here will apply to those reelectionists,” Sereno said.
Sereno wanted Atty. Sandra Coronel, counsel of Binay, to understand the impact of respondent’s position.
”SC cannot take particular account of Mayor Junjun Binay only,” Sereno said.
The Chief Justice told Binay’s counsel that she is basically saying that to just get re-elected and you will be absolved from your wrongdoings from your previous term.
Sereno noted that administrative condonation applies to all elective officials not only to Binay.
She pointed out that Atty. Coronel is her former student and that they are required to promote honesty and integrity.
Likewise, Sereno went over all constitutional provisions and statutes related to condonation.
Coronel clarified that Binay is not immune and criminal charges may still be filed.