Makati Mayor Mar-Len Abigail “Abby” Binay is contemplating a run for mayor of Taguig City in the upcoming elections. While she has not made a final decision yet, Binay mentioned that she is waiting for a sign before taking the plunge into a new political arena. Speaking at an event organized by the Rotary Club of Makati, she shared that despite being in her last term as Makati mayor, she has realized that she has numerous options for 2025, with running for Taguig mayor being one of them, albeit at the bottom of her list.
Acknowledging that running in a city currently led by Mayor Lani Cayetano presents a challenging decision, Binay emphasized that her primary focus is on ensuring the well-being of the residents in her enlisted men’s barrios (EMBOs). She stated, “That’s my only concern. Whether I will run or not run or end up endorsing someone, it’s essential that my former residents are taken care of.”
Before making a final decision on running for mayor of Taguig, Binay explained that there are various factors she needs to consider, including establishing residency in the city. As she cannot continue as the sitting mayor of Makati if she is no longer a resident, she would have to resign and move her residency and voter’s registration to Taguig. Binay emphasized that this step would be a clear indication of her decision for the 2025 elections.
The recent dispute between the city governments of Makati and Taguig further complicates the potential candidacy of Binay. The disagreement arose when Makati closed health centers in ten villages that the Supreme Court ruled should fall under Taguig’s jurisdiction. Binay shared that they proposed a data-sharing agreement with Taguig to facilitate the health centers, but the Cayetano-led city government was not open to dialogue. She expressed frustration, stating, “It’s really hard to talk to people who don’t really want to talk.”
Binay also addressed the perception created by Taguig officials, claiming that they are portraying her as the villain in this story. She vowed to continue providing improved healthcare benefits to the citizens of Makati. As a gesture of appreciation for the unwavering support of the business community, Binay announced a comprehensive review of the possibility of lowering real property tax and other local taxes in Makati. This initiative reflects her commitment to fostering a business-friendly environment in the city.
Before assuming the role of Makati mayor in 2016, Binay served as the representative of Makati’s second district from 2007 to 2016. Her husband, Luis Campos, succeeded her in that position. Binay comes from a family with a strong political background, being the daughter of former vice president and ex-Makati mayor Jejomar Binay. Her mother, Elenita, also served as mayor from 1998 to 2001. Additionally, she is the younger sister of Senator Ma. Lourdes “Nancy” Binay and the older sibling of former Makati mayor Jejomar Erwin “Junjun” Binay, who stepped down from the post following corruption allegations.
In conclusion, Mayor Abby Binay’s potential candidacy for mayor of Taguig City has garnered attention and speculation. While she weighs her options and waits for a sign, her primary concern remains the welfare of the residents in her current jurisdiction. The ongoing disputes between Makati and Taguig add complexity to her decision-making process. Nevertheless, Binay remains committed to providing improved healthcare benefits to the citizens of Makati and fostering a business-friendly environment in the city. As the political landscape unfolds, it will be interesting to see how Binay’s potential run for mayor of Taguig City develops.
Source: The Manila Times
