Vice President Jejomar Binay and other members of the Binay family pose with Makati Second district Rep. Abigail “abby” Binay Campos who filed her certificate of candidacy for Mayor of Makati City under the united nationalist alliance (una). with them is abby’s vice mayoral candidate, Makati first district representative Monique Lagdameo
Rep. Mar-Len Abigail “Abi” Binay filed her certificate of candidacy (COC) for mayor of Makati City, replacing her brother, Mayor Erwin “Junjun” Binay Jr. who was dismissed by the Office of the Ombudsman.
Binay Jr. was banned from holding any public office over multiple graft charges filed against him in connection with the bidding and construction of the Makati City Hall 2 building which was allegedly overpriced.
Abi Binay’s vice mayoral candidate is Makati First District Rep. Monique Lagdameo.
Abi’s husband, businessman Luis Campo, will run for congressman in her place, alongside Councilor Maria Concepcion Yabut for the first district.
The lawmaker was accompanied by her parents Vice President Jejomar Binay and Elenita, and siblings Junjun, Anne, and Sen. Nancy when she filed her COC.
Junjun admitted that it was hard for him to accept that Abi is running in his place but that his replacement was the decision of the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) party.
He believed, though, that Abi is competent to run.
“Siya ay may sapat na kaalaman, karanasan at kakayahan upang ipagpatuloy ang serbisyong Binay – serbisyong nakalaan sa paglilingkod sa mga mahihirap (She has the knowledge, experience and competence to continue the Binay service which is to serve the poor),” he said.
Junjun also lambasted the administration for using the government institutions to suppress their political opponents.
Abi will be pitted against the family’s political rival -- Makati Vice Mayor Romulo “Kid” Peña, whose running mate is neophyte Karla Mercado, daughter of former Makati Vice Mayor Ernesto Mercado, also a critic of the Binays.
Also joining the mayoral race is art director-instructor Jimmy “Jimboy” Jumawan of the Partido Bagong Maharlika.
UNA’s candidates for the city council are Mayeth Casal-Uy, Monsour Del Rosario, Ferdie Eusebio, Jhong Hilario, Jojo Javier, Romy Medina, Arlene Ortega, Rico Puno, Iony De Lara, Divine Jacome, Baby Olfato, Arleen Pangilinan, Doc Pasia, Mary Ruth Tolentino, Bing Villamor, and King Yabut.