In his remarks after a wreath-laying ceremony at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 to commemorate Ninoy’s 31st death anniversary, Butz aknowledged Binay’s presence in the event by saying “Vice President, and soon to be… ”
He didn’t finish his sentence, but added that his other brothers also support Binay.
“Balita ko yung mga sisters [ni President Aquino ay] para sa ‘yo. Sabi ko, correction, pati yung mga uncle –Uncle Peping, Uncle Paul, Uncle Butz. Oh ha!” Butz told Binay.
Butz and Binay were among the personalities in the historic People Power Revolution that toppled the regime of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos. The mass revolt installed Ninoy’s widow, Corazon “Cory” Aquino, into presidency in 1986.
The Aquino couple’s daughters Ballsy Aquino-Cruz and Kris Aquino had earlier expressed support for Binay’s presidential bid and reportedly welcomed the possibility that he will be adopted by the ruling Liberal Party as a guest candidate.
The LP, however, has denied that it is eyeing to adopt Binay, who is from the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA), as its presidential bet in 2016.
“Ano yung hinahanap namin sa leader? Eto mensahe ko rin para kay Vice. Kailangan may commitment, may competence at pangatlo, may compassion,” Butz said.
Binay, meanwhile, welcomed the support of Butz and the other members of the Aquino family. “Mahal ko sila, kasi mga kaibigan ko talaga yan, kasama sa hirap at ginhawa,” he said.
GMA News was still trying to get a reaction from Malacañang regarding Butz’s expression of support for Binay as of posting time.
Mass
Meanwhile, President Aquino and his sisters Ballsy, Kris, Pinky Aquino-Abellada and Viel Aquino-Dee commemorated their father’s death anniversary in a Mass held at the Manila Memorial Park in Parañaque.
During his homily, Fr. Daniel Tansip, PSG chaplain, said the late senator must have been very proud of the achievements his son, President Aquino.
Also present in the event were Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas, Senate President Franklin Drilon, Social Welfare Secretary Dinky Soliman, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, and Makati Mayor Erwin “Junjun” Binay.
The Aquinos refused to grant an interview after the event.
Drilon, who is the vice chairman of LP, meanwhile, said they want to have a meeting with their members to clarify Aquino’s controversial statement that he is open to extending his term beyond 2016.
In a television interview last week, Aquino said he is open with amending some provisions of the 1987 Constitution under his term. He also said that wants to hear the sentiments of his constituents when it comes to the possibility of term extension.
Binay said he will not allow the amendment of the Constitution, crafted under Cory’s term to be used for political gains.
“Ang ating demokrasya ay muling nanganganib dahil sa pag udyok sa ating Pangulo ng ibang gustong manatili sa poder ng kapangyarihan,” he said. —Elizabeth Marcelo/KBK, GMA News
