Jejomar Binay

Jejomar "Jojo" Cabauatan Binay (born November 11, 1942), also known as Jojo Binay or VNay, is a Filipino politician who has been the 15th Vice President of the Philippines since 2010. Previously, he was Mayor of Makati City from 1986 to 1998 and again from 2001 to 2010. He is also the President of the United Opposition (UNO), President of Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban), Chairman of Asia-Pacific Region Scout Committee, and the President of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines.

Education and early career

Binay studied at the Philippine Normal College Training Department, University of the Philippines Preparatory High School, and earned a bachelor's degree in political science and Bachelor of Laws from UP (LIB). Binay joined the youth fraternal organization Order of DeMolay, Loyalty Chapter, Manila, Philippines under the jurisdiction of the Supreme Council, Order of DeMolay of the Republic of the Philippines, sponsored by Free and Accepted Masons. Mayor Binay received a DeMolay Leadership award on March 16, 1996 from the Supreme Council, Order of DeMolay for outstanding leadership and DeMolay Legion of Honor given by the Supreme Council, Order of DeMolay on July 13, 1996. In his collegiate stint, he also joined Alpha Phi Omega Fraternity in the University of the Philippines (Eta Chapter). He passed the bar exam in 1968, and took masteral subjects in public administration and law in UP and University of Santo Tomas, respectively.

Mayor of Makati City (1986-1998)

In February 1986, Binay became President Corazon Aquino’s first appointed local official after Nemesio I. Yabut died while in office as mayor during the EDSA Revolution. He was reelected in 1987, 1992, and 1995.

Binay joined pro-democracy forces in thwarting the mutinies. His active role in the defense of the Constitution earned him the nickname “Rambotito” (or little Rambo, after the screen hero), the Outstanding Achievement Medal and a special commendation from President Aquino herself.

Suspension

In October 2006, the Department of the Interior and Local Government issued a suspension order against Binay, his vice mayor, and all members of the City Council following an accusation of 'ghost employees' on the city payroll by former city councilor Roberto Brillante, a political rival. Refusing to cooperate with the suspension order, Binay barricaded himself inside the Makati City Hall. Among those who expressed support for Binay were former President Corazon Aquino, actress Susan Roces – who is the widow of Arroyo’s rival in the 2004 presidential elections, Fernando Poe Jr. - and several Catholic bishops. After a three-day stand-off, the Court of Appeals issued a temporary restraining order. Before it lapsed, the court issued an injunction order, thereby preventing the Office of the President from enforcing its suspension order until the case is resolved.

Vice-Presidency

Jejomar Binay was inaugurated as the 15th Vice-President of the Philippines on June 30, 2010. He was the first local government official who became vice president.

HUDCC Chairmanship

Binay was appointed as chairman of the Housing Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) by the President Noynoy Aquino, the same position held by his preedecesor Former Vice-President Noli de Castro. Additionally, Binay was head of the Task Force OFW in which Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who were harmed by their employers can return to the Philippines at government expense, he's also Presidential Adviser of OFW concerns.

Personal life

Binay is married to Elenita Sombillo, a doctor of medicine. She was elected Mayor of Makati in the 1998 elections, and served until 2001. Their union bore them five children: Maria Lourdes Nancy, Mar-Len Abigail (currently serving as representative for the 2nd District of Makati City), Jejomar Erwin Jr. (current mayor of Makati City), Marita Angeline and Joanna Marie Blanca.

Extramarital affair

In 2010, Binay admitted to having an extramarital affair, which almost cost him his marriage to Elenita Binay. Binay complained about photos of his mistress that were leaked in the Internet, saying the tactic was a reaction to his rise in his Vice Presidential poll ratings