TACLOBAN CITY-Vice President Jejomar Binay dropped to a shopping mall here on Saturday afternoon, causing a mild commotion as he shook the hands of the people obliging with their requests for a photo with him.
The Vice President, who was in Biliran province for three days beginning on Thursday, obviously savored the moment that he was being mobbed like a movie star as he fight off allegations of corruptions in Manila.
“I am just so happy for a very warm welcome given to me by the people here,” Binay said in a brief statement issued to reporters.
He declined for an interview saying he was catching up his flight back to Manila.
A staff of the Vice President said that he arrived at the Robinson’s Place Tacloban at past 4 pm from his travel in Biliran and was to depart for Manila at 6 p.m.
The Vice President stayed outside the entrance of the mall while hundreds of people lined up and take their time for a handshake and picture taking with him. And yes, he kissed some babies and even so-called senior citizens.
Binay stayed at the shopping mall for 45 minutes with only Valenzuela Rep. Sherwin Gatchalian with him and his handful of security escorts, his staff and members of local and soldiers watching over him.
His car, and those of his companion’s vehicles, was parked just outside the entrance, causing some traffic as public vehicles could not just the way for their exit from the mall.
Maritess Brion of Tanauan, Leyte was “overjoyed” in seeing Binay, who is not shy of his presidential ambition, for the first time.
“He is my idol. Whatever issues hurled against him were all lies. We don’t believe any single issue thrown at him. We are angry against those peddling the lies. We will still vote for him no matter what.” Brion said, referring to corruptions charges against Binay.Binay has denied all the allegations against him and his family.
Meantime, Brion said she will post her picture with Binay on her Facebook account as a proof her being a “loyal supporter” to the embattled President.
A college professor, who asked not to be named and was also in the mall, was unmindful on the scene involving the President.
“Well, what his business in coming here? Malling? He was campaigning this early,” he said.
A security escort of Binay told the reporters that the Vice President is “fond of malling” when asked by the by isumat.com on the purpose of his visit to the shopping mall.
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