Distributing relief goods like a campaign sortie

Vice President Jejomar Binay and his daughter, Sen. Nancy Binay, distributed bags of relief goods to  fire victims of barangay Basak-Pardo in Cebu City.

The distribution was done simultaneously last night with the release of the city government’s cash assistance.

The Department of Social Welfare and Services (DSWS) gave  P10,000 each to 290 beneficiaries  whose homes were destroyed in the fire.

Before the actual distribution, Binay spoke to hundreds of senior citizens and women’s organizations from different barangays in the city  who gathered yesterday afternoon in the sports complex of the Don Vicente Rama Memorial National High School.

It looked like a political rally with  speeches delivered by officials who have plans to run in next year’s elections.

Women and the elderly waited as early as 1 p.m. at the school although Binay was scheduled to arrive at 4:30 p.m.

Binay and other officials, arrived  at 6 p.m.

In their speeches, the Binays thanked the crowd for their support.

“This is my first time to be back in Cebu after the elections.  I hope this is just the beginning. We will still see each other again,” said Nancy.

Jejomar, who has served as mayor of Makati City before his election as vice president, talked about his accomplishments in Makati.

He cited assistance to senior citizens, a P100,000 gift for centenarians and free movies for the elderly among others.

“What I have done in Makati, I can do in the whole country.  In Makati, the poor have jobs,” he said.

White T-shirts were  tossed to the crowd, who scampered to get them, after his speech. Water bottles with the photo and name of Cebu City Councilor Gerry Carillo were also distributed.

Binay has been vocal about running for president next year while Carillo is being touted as Team Rama’s bet for the congressional seat in the city’s south district.

Despite the long wait for  the arrival of the Binays, the people  cheered and applauded when they arrived.

While waiting, some local officials gave messages of support to the Team Rama administration and asked for the people’s support for the party in the coming elections.

Among those who gave speeches were Joy Pesquera, who is running for city councilor, lawyer Jose Daluz III  Team Rama’s campaign manager, councilors Carillo, Dave Tumulak, Hanz Abella, Richard Osmeña and Tisa barangay captain Phillip Zafra.

Valenzuela representative Sherwin Gatchalian was also with the group.

Cebu City  Mayor Michael Rama came later during the actual distribution of  cash and relief  goods.

Binay was in Cebu yesterday to address the 15th National Convention of the Integrated Bar of the Philippine at Waterfront Lahug.  At 3p.m., he met with local leaders and residents of Barangay Kamputhaw, Cebu City.