THE resignation of Vice President Jejomar Binay from the Aquino Cabinet should come as no surprise since it happened at a time when political parties and prospective candidates gear up for the 2016 general elections, Sen. Francis Escudero said yesterday. Escudero said Binay, whose intention to run for president in next year’s elections is public knowledge, resigned from the Cabinet as chairman of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) and presidential adviser on OFW (overseas Filipino Workers) concerns, probably because he wanted to focus on his political campaign. “This signals the so-called gun start of the 2016 elections where appointed officials begin resigning from their appointive posts in order to concentrate on their respective campaigns,” Escudero said.
It was earlier reported that at least six members of the Cabinet will resign in October in time for the filing of certificates of candidacy. Escudero expressed hope the President will immediately appoint Binay’s replacement at HUDCC, as well as other key agencies which until now remain headless, in order to ensure that public service is not disrupted.“ I respect the VP’s decision. I just hope that the President can immediately appoint his successor, as well as for other appointed secretaries, so as not to adversely affect the government’s ability to deliver basic services,” Escudero said.
Malacanang assured that the resignation will have no effect on the important public services, especially in the housing sector. “Vice President Binay was the only official who resigned. So the essential public services under his former office will continue and will not be disrupted,” Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said. Coloma said Aquino has yet to decide on Binay’s replacement. “And while the President is looking for replacement, we have a principle in the government which is ‘continuity and no disruption in essential public services.’ So there is nothing to worry about,” Coloma assured. Coloma said all aspects of public services will continue in the HUDCC, including its attached agencies like Pagibig Fund, National Housing Authority, HUDCC. -pna
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