Having been orphaned early, she worked at odd jobs like taking care of a relative's poultry, going to the market, and learning to type papers as she was determined to complete her studies.

There, she would meet her would-be husband, human rights lawyer Jejomar Binay, who represented the DT Law Office in the hospital's court case.

[4][5] Elenita Binay, though employed as a medical practitioner, ran and won as mayor of Makati after her husband vacated the post.

Binay was charged of alleged anomalous purchase of office fixtures and furniture for the new Makati City Hall from private contractor Office Gallery International from December 1999 to February 2000, regarding the acquisitions worth ₱13.25 million overpriced by ₱3.6 million.

[8][9] Binay faced charges of plunder, graft, and malversation for the purchase of ₱9.9 million medical equipment for Ospital ng Makati without public bidding during her term as mayor.