Sandigan urged: Put Binay on trial for P2.2-B carpark

MANILA, Philippines — The Office of the Ombudsman has urged the Sandiganbayan to uphold its earlier ruling to put former vice president Jejomar Binay on trial for multiple criminal cases in connection with the alleged anomalous construction of the P2.2-billion Makati parking building.

In its 15-page opposition paper filed before the anti-graft court’s Third Division last week, the ombudsman’s Office of the Special Prosecutor said Binay and the other respondents “failed to present any compelling reason” in their respective motions for reconsideration to warrant the reversal of the court’s Aug. 31 ruling finding probable cause to proceed with a full-blown trial.

Binay is facing nine counts of falsification of public documents, four counts of graft and one count of malversation of public funds in connection with the alleged overpriced construction of the P2.2-billion Makati City Hall Building II, also referred as the Makati parking building.

Named as his co-accused in the cases were several former Makati City officials, including his son, former mayor Jejomar Erwin “Junjun” Binay Jr. 

The cases were for the alleged anomalous award of architectural design and construction contracts to Mana Architecture and Interior Design Co. and Hilmarc’s Construction Corp., respectively, for Phases I, II and III of the Makati parking building project, during the older Binay’s term as mayor.

The ombudsman, which filed the cases in July 2016, said the contracts were awarded through “simulated bidding”and despite the absence of approved budget appropriation, project plan and specifications.

The arraignment of Binay and his son, as well as the other respondents, is set on Nov. 10.