Vice President Jejomar Binay has obtained the support of President Noynoy Aquino in his quest for an official residence in Manila.

The President, who himself is still shuttling between his family home on Times St. in Quezon City to Malacanang pending the renovation of Bahay Pangarap, said having an official residence for the Vice President was reasonable.

“If he believes there is such a need, I will support that move," he said in a press conference in the Palace. "I think, very parang nasa lugar, tama naman iyung hinihirit, bakit hindi ko masuportahan (I think his request is just appropriate so why wouldn't I support it)” he added.

Mr. Aquino said Binay has suggested Coconut Palace as his official residence but “there’s a question of whether or not the government still owns” the place. He admitted that Binay decided to look for an alternative venue since he found the vice president’s office at the Philippine National Bank building in Pasay City too small. “He was also talking about the equipment for that office. He was talking also how little the budget of the OVP, compared to what he had as budget as mayor of Makati,” he said. (Genalyn Kabiling)