Makati City Rep. Abigail Binay yesterday criticized opponent acting Makati Mayor Romulo “Kid” Peña for snubbing a second event for local candidates Saturday.
Peña was a no-show at the forum organized by the St. John Bosco Parish Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting. He was also absent during a scheduled debate with Binay at the Makati City Sports Club on April 27.
Hundreds of parishioners from Barangays San Lorenzo and Pio del Pilar attended the event where local candidates had the chance to present their platforms and programs of government.
Binay lamented her opponent’s aversion to candidates’ forums organized by private groups and Church-based organizations in Makati.
“For the second time, he did not give importance to face and present his programs to the city residents. The constituents have to know our accomplishments and plans that will serve as basis in the coming elections,” said Binay.
However, Peña denied the allegations of Binay, citing that he had made an important prior commitment that would benefit the people of Makati.
“I am saddened that Congresswoman Binay had to resort to such a petty strategy to discredit my administration,” Peña said.
“Let me reiterate that transparency and free flow of information are the defining qualities of governance in the Bagong Makati. Thus, I am ready and willing to attend debates or any forum that would inform our constituents and stakeholders about our thrusts, plans and programs for the city aimed to uplift their lives and attract bigger investments,” he added.