CA upholds Junjun Binay’s disqualification

MANILA, Philippines — The Court of Appeals (CA) has affirmed its decision perpetually disqualifying former Makati mayor Jejomar Erwin “Junjun” Binay Jr. from holding public office over the anomalous construction of the Makati Science High School building. 

In a consolidated resolution issued last December but released to media only yesterday, the appellate court’s former Eighth Division denied for lack of merit the motions for reconsideration filed by Binay and 13 other defendants.

In its May 2019 decision, the CA found Binay guilty of serious dishonesty, grave misconduct and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service in connection with the construction of the P1.3-billion building.

CA magistrates affirmed the Office of the Ombudsman’s finding of guilt in 2017.

Binay allegedly entered into a P165.26-million contract with service contractor Hilmarc despite irregularities in the procurement of construction materials for the project’s Phase VI.

The CA resolution was penned by Associate Justice Ronaldo Roberto Martin. Associate Justices Ramon Bato Jr. and Ramon Cruz concurred with the ruling.