MANILA - Opposition leaders called for a timeout from politicking as the country marked Independence Day. Following commemoration rites at Rizal Park in Manila, Vice-President Jejomar Binay brushed aside questions from the media regarding calls for his resignation from the Aquino Cabinet. He also said his children can defend themselves against similar political attacks. "Ito ay Araw ng Kalayaan. Siguro time-out muna yun pulitika," he said. Binay's ally, Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada, meanwhile expressed confidence the Vice-President will not be affected by the alleged political persecution. "Ang VP natin sa lahat ng survey siya ang on top. Gusto nila i-put down which they cannot do," he said. Estrada also said there is no need to form special divisions in the Sandiganbayan to handle the pork barrel cases. His remarks come as the Sandiganbayan received the plunder and graft cases against Senators Jinggoy Estrada, Juan Ponce Enrile and Bong Revilla. ANC NEWS NOW, JUNE 12, 2014