Bistek faces graft case over P25 million solar power project

MANILA, Philippines — An official of the Quezon City government yesterday filed a complaint for graft against former mayor Herbert Bautista over the allegedly anomalous P25-million solar power project during his term.

The case against Bautista was filed by lawyer Carlo Austria of the city legal department before the Office of the Ombudsman.

Also named respondents are Aldrin Cuña and Joselito Cabungcal, former city administrator and engineer, respectively. 

In a nine-page complaint, Austria said the respondents  entered into allegedly anomalous solar power and water proofing project.

Austria accused Bautista, Cuña and Cabungcal of awarding the contract and releasing P25 million to Cygnet Energy and Power Asia without the approval of the city council, a violation of the Local Government Code.

Austria alleged that Bautista approved the release of the fund even if the contractor failed to deliver the materials, including a net metering system from the Manila Electric Co.