VP Binay: Relations with Aquino family still strong

Vice President Jejomar Binay on Tuesday said his personal relations with the Aquino family remain strong despite having political differences with President Benigno Aquino III.

In an interview with GMA Vice President for Radio Mike Enriquez on the radio dzBB program "Ikaw Na Ba...The Presidential Interview," Binay said, "Magkaibigan pa rin... 'Di lang pareho ang pananaw sa politika."

Binay is a known anti-Marcos advocate who was jailed for several months for his political convictions during Martial Law.

Binay is a law graduate of the University of the Philippines who chose to teach and provide free legal assistance to the poor.

After his release from political detention, he continued working as a human rights lawyer and being active in democracy movements against the Marcos government.

In February 1986, when Marcos's opponent—housewife-turned-president Corazon Aquino—assumed power, one of her first actions was to appoint Binay as officer-in-charge of Makati City.

When Cory passed away on August 1, 2001, Binay issued a statement, saying "Cory Aquino was the personification of humility and selfless service, both as a public official and as private citizen."

"Her faith in the Almighty steered her through the many trials that she faced. I have often wondered how she kept her composure even in the most trying moments. I now believe her quiet fortitude came from her unshakeable belief in God, her belief that He does not give us trials that we cannot bear," he said.

Last year, Binay still sent flowers for Cory's grave despite having a rift with her son—incumbent President Aquino.

When asked if he will follow the footsteps of the incumbent president who went after his political opponents, Binay said he will not do that.

However, if someone would file a case against Aquino, Binay said he will respect it and allow the law to decide on the case. —KG, GMA News