Despite Being Political Opponents, Jejomar Binay Recalls Good Times With PNoy
For a good part of their career as the country’s top bosses, former President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III and former Vice President Jejomar Binay remained on opposing sides of politics. Throughout the Aquino administration, Binay remained one of the most visible members of the opposition bloc, who occasionally criticized Aquino on his policies, especially during the latter part of their terms.
Both were fighting for what they believed was the best for the Philippines. But if criticism was ever taken personally, the public never heard about it. Probably because the two gentlemen knew it was not worth it.
What makes their relationship interesting is that Binay was one of the staunchest allies of former President Corazon Aquino. On her fifth death anniversary, Binay described her as a “shining icon of Philippine democracy.”
In a tweet, Binay recalled good times with Noynoy. He posted a photo of the two of them during the 1986 People Power Revolution. Since then, the Binays and the Aquinos had become traditional political allies.
This photo of Noynoy and myself was taken shortly after the 1986 Edsa Revolution. The day the revolution started, Noynoy and I were together in Makati, thanking the people for voting for his mother, former President Cory. Rest in Peace, Pareng Noy. pic.twitter.com/IEfAyhHBYL
— Jejomar C. Binay (@JojoCBinay) June 24, 2021
Five years ago, Noynoy recalled his relationship with Binay at the height of the People Power.
“At that time, I really became close to him because he put our welfare first before his. That was 30 years ago,” Noynoy told the crowd in Makati during a campaign rally.
“It was clear to him that it was others first before himself… we counted on each other. We were against the dictatorship and we were ready to sacrifice our lives for our fellow men. That was how we had a deep relationship,” Noynoy said.
It was with that backdrop that Binay fondly painted a picture of his bond with Noynoy.
“The day the revolution started, Noynoy and I were together in Makati, thanking the people for voting for his mother, former President Cory,” wrote Binay in a tweet today.
“Noynoy and I may have had political differences during the last few years of his term, but that will not diminish the many years of friendship between our families,” wrote Binay.
Aquino died at 4:30 a.m. on Thursday at the Capitol Medical Center in Quezon City. He served as the country’s 15th president from 2010 to 2016. Binay served as vice president during Aquino’s term.
