Junjun posts bail; cases raffled off

MANILA, Philippines - Former mayor Jejomar Erwin “Junjun” Binay Jr. posted bail yesterday as the Sandiganbayan raffled off the cases against him in connection with his alleged role in the overpriced construction of the Makati city hall’s Parking Building 2.  

The anti-graft court’s Third Division – comprised of Presiding Justice Amparo Cabotaje-Tang, the anti-graft court’s chief magistrate, and Associate Justices Samuel Martires and Sarah Jane Fernandez – will handle the cases.  

The Third Division is the same court handling the pork barrel fund scam plunder charges against Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile, his former chief of staff Jessica “Gigi” Reyes and businesswoman Janet Lim Napoles.

Binay, two hours after the raffle, posted P204,000 bail for two graft charges and eight falsification of public documents charges.

His co-respondents, like acting city administrator Eleno Mendoza Jr. and Efren Canlas of Hilmarc’s Construction Co., also posted bail.

The Office of the Ombudsman earlier announced that it has found probable cause to indict the former mayor and 22 other individuals, including Vice President Jejomar Binay, for four counts of graft, six counts of falsification of public documents and five counts of malversation of public funds.

However, Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales said the cases against the elder Binay would have to wait until after the term of the impeachable official expires.

All the cases stem from alleged anomalies or irregularities that happened during the various phases of the construction of the P2.2-billion building from 2007 to 2013.

The younger Binay, according to lawyer Claro Certeza, will question his indictment through a motion for judicial determination of probable cause.

Certeza believes the charges are politically motivated and geared toward destroying the name of the elder Binay, who is running for president.