Abby Binay urges voters: Focus on leadership, healthcare

Senatorial candidate and Makati Mayor Abby Binay is urging Filipinos to move past political labels and focus on what truly matters—effective leadership and public service. Addressing key national issues, Binay emphasized the need for fair governance and a more sustainable healthcare system for local governments.

Beyond political divides

Speaking on the arrest and detention of former President Rodrigo Duterte at the Hague, Binay called for a shift in perspective, urging voters to assess candidates based on their platforms rather than their political affiliations.

“Go beyond whether we are pro-Marcos or pro-Duterte…What do we stand for? What could we bring to the table? Ano ba ang tinatayuan namin? Hindi po pwedeng, ‘Ah kasi nakadikit ka dito, ayaw ko sa iyo,’” she said.

She also expressed confidence in the fairness of the International Criminal Court (ICC) in handling Duterte’s case related to alleged crimes against humanity.

“Sana bigyan natin ng pagkakataon iyong ICC. Alam naman natin na magiging patas. Hindi naman sinasabi na guilty siya. Kaya nga may proseso. Kaya nga may trial. Bigyan natin iyon ng pagkakataon,” she added.

Binay compared the current political climate to the divisive debates surrounding the Reproductive Health Law during her time as a lawmaker.

“It’s either you are Pro-RH or you are Pro-Life. Parang ganyan din po iyong nangyari sa RH bill noon. It is beyond that. Yes, we are part of the administration, but we are individuals in a group,” she said.

A call for sustainable healthcare funding

Beyond governance, Binay is also pushing for better financial support for local government units (LGUs) in managing health centers, warning that the Department of Health (DOH) should not offload the operational burden onto municipalities.

In a press conference on Friday, she pointed out that while the national government funds the construction of health centers, LGUs are left to shoulder the cost of staffing and maintaining them—an expectation that many struggling municipalities cannot meet.

"Kapag tatayuan ng health center, ang LGU ang maghahanap ng doctor, nurse, at magme-maintain ng facility. Chances are, ang munisipyo o LGU ay walang kapasidad," Binay said.

She called for stronger coordination between the DOH and LGUs to ensure that health programs remain sustainable.

"Kailangan may consultation palagi between the DOH and the LGU para ma-encourage nga sila na magbukas pa ng super health centers," she said.

To address funding challenges, Binay proposed that LGUs form clusters to share the costs of running a strategically located super health center.

"Kailangan po tuluy-tuloy ang suporta ng national government sa ating mga LGUs for them to be encouraged to open more super health centers. Hindi po nila kakayaning magbukas ng ospital dahil masyadong mahal ang ospital," she said.

As the elections draw closer, Binay continues to emphasize practical governance and public service, advocating for policies that ensure both fairness in the justice system and stronger healthcare for Filipinos.