As Makati Mayor Junjun Binay defied his latest preventive suspension, his supporters came around Makati City Hall to show support to their leader who was charged over anomalous construction.
The order for suspension served on Tuesday morning was welcomed by violent confrontation between Binay’s rallying supporters and policemen.
As the confrontation was caught on video, the supporters hammered police with plastic chairs to prevent the DILG in laying the order.
According to Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, supporters of the Binay family who were seen attacking the policemen will be charged of direct assault and obstruction of justice.
At least five civilians and three policemen were hurt in the incident.
Policemen then tightened the security around the city hall.
“We will also recommend to the DILG the possible initiation of administrative charges for insubordination, and possibly even criminal charges, against Mayor Binay for non-compliance with the order of suspension issued by the Ombudsman as disciplining authority,” De Lima said.
She also added that the action of Binay’s supporters was “blatant disrespect” of the Ombudsman and elements of the DILG and PNO in their implementation of the suspension order.
“Our local governments are still a part of our republican government. They are not kingdoms unto themselves and their mayors should not act like petty kings who can disregard the law with impunity,” she added.
H/T: GMA News; Photo from Rappler. YouTube Video from ABS-CBN News