I had 20-year OJT, Nancy Binay tells Vice Ganda

By Miguel Dumaual
ABS-CBNnews.com 

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MANILA, Philippines — Senatorial candidate Nancy Binay shrugged off a comment made by comedian Vice Ganda about her track record, saying she has had decades of “on-the-job training” under her parents, who have held seats in public office.

During a press conference held Thursday by Regal Films matriarch Lily Monteverde announcing her formal endorsement of Binay, the Senate bet addressed a statement made by Vice Ganda referring to her supposed lack of experience in public service.

“While I respect his opinion, kung ‘yun ‘yung tingin niya… basta ang importante, unang-una, meron naman akong vice na nag-e-endorse sa akin ‘di ba, tapos meron pa akong Mother Lily, so I think made na made na talaga ako,” she said.

Binay, who is running under the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA), is the eldest daughter of Vice-President Jejomar Binay and former Makati City Mayor Elenita Binay.

Asked if she was hurt by Vice Ganda’s remark, the young Binay said, “Actually, alam mo sa ‘kin pag alam kong hindi totoo, hindi ako nasasaktan, e. I think ganoon kami pinalaki ng aking mga magulang, lalo na ng father ko, kasi we’ve been in politics for more than 20 years.”

She added: “Pag sobra kang sensitive, tapos alam mo namang hindi totoo, bakit ka masasaktan? Alam ko namang hindi totoo at hindi tama ‘yung sinasabi niya.”

‘OJT for 20 years’

Last Monday, Vice Ganda mentioned Binay’s name when asked if he has any plans to pursue a career in public service.

“Gusto ko president ako agad,” Vice Ganda said in jest, “‘Yung wala kang background, pero mataas agad, parang ‘yung mga pulitiko lang ngayon. Walang background, pero senador agad.”

Asked if he is referring to any senatorial bets in particular, the 37-year-old comedian said, triggering laughter, “Sila Nancy Binay, sino pa ba?”

Addressing Vice Ganda’s candid statement, Binay on Thursday said, “Parang sinabi niya kasi ata na wala akong alam, but you know, I’ve worked with my father for the longest time.”

She also referred to a recent statement made by actress-host Kris Aquino, who has expressed interest in running for public office in the 2016 elections.

“Kung si Kris Aquino nga, sinabi niya mag-o-on-the-job training siya to prepare herself, ako I’ve been doing the on-the-job training for more than 20 years, with my mother, with my father, lalung-lalo na ngayon na naging vice-president na ‘yung father ko,” Binay said.

Prior to her Senate bid, the 39-year-old worked as her father and mother’s personal assistant, and as deputy secretary general of UNA.

‘Tadhana’

Binay added that Vice Ganda’s remark did not come as a surprise.

She cited the 2010 elections, when the comedian endorsed then Makati Vice-Mayor Ernesto Mercado, who lost to Nancy’s brother, Junjun Binay, in the Makati mayoralty race.

“To set things straight, ‘yung kay Vice Ganda, hindi rin ako nagulat eh, kasi nung 2010… in fact he campaigned for doon sa kalaban ng kapatid ko, so I’m not surprised,” she said.

Now, the latest member of her family to pursue a career in politics, Binay said she has grown to “embrace” the field after initial reservations about running for senator.

Binay said the idea of her running for senator was UNA’s decision and not hers.

The consideration to include her in the slate, she said, was due to her strong performance in the surveys.

“Ngayon na-embrace ko na eh, because at the end of the day, sabi ko nga, kung ‘yun ‘yung calling mo dapat pakinggan at you just embrace it. Kung ‘yun ‘yung tawag sayo ng tadhana, dapat tuparin mo. So I think ‘yun ‘yung nangyayari sa akin ngayon,” she said.