Team DailyPedia
Social media users have slammed Vice President Jejomar Binay for distributing bracelets with crosses marked with “B” to victims and families of the survivors of the sunken ferry boat, M/B Kim Nirvana in Ormoc City, Leyte on July 5.
According to Binay, they offered prayers and gave financial assistance and “rosaries” to the affected families. The alleged rosaries have a distinct “B” marking on them.
A few months ago, Facebook user Kath Lin even uploaded a picture of the controversial “rosary” and thanked Binay for it.
In the caption of the photo, Lin wrote: “With VP Binay?!! Salamat pu sa rosary”
The photo caught the ire of netizens who accused Binay or premature campaigning and disrespecting Christianity.
Reports claim that the same “rosary” was given during Pope Francis’s visit to the Philippines last January.
Binay Camp: Not a Rosary
Mon Ilagan, spokesperson for United Nationalist Alliance (UNA), quickly dismissed allegations that the distributed materials were rosaries. Ilagan stressed that Binay had been giving away bracelets and not rosaries particularly to senior citizens.
Speaking to Rappler, Ilagan said: “I don’t think this is an epal move. `Di na kailangan magpa-epal at magpakilala pa siya as he already has name recall.”
What does “B” stand for?
At the time of writing, Binay has not released a statement regarding the issue.
This has left many netizens puzzled about the actual meaning of the B markings.
For many, B clearly stands for Binay indicating the Vice President’s actual motive for distributing the bracelets.
Interestingly, Binay haters came up with rather creative meanings such as “Black”, “Baluga”, “Bobotante”, “Bastos”, and “Bitayin”, according to Taho News.
What does B really stand for? Don’t forget to share your thoughts below.
Featured image credits to Rappler.
