FILE PHOTOS: Father and son Binay, Jejomar and Junjun
QUEZON CITY, Philippines — The Office of the Ombudsman has seen probable cause to indict Vice President Jejomar Binay, former Makati mayor Jejomar
Erwin “Junjun” Binay, Jr. and 22 others with criminal charges over the Makati carpark building anomaly.
The Office of the Ombudsman maintained that it did not fast track the investigation. According to Atty. Maria Janina Hidalgo, spokesperson for the Office of the Ombudsman, the investigation has been ongoing since September 2014. It was in March 2015 that preliminary investigation started.
“Nagkataon lang, lumabas siya ngayon because this is a matter of national concern that people have to be aware of,” says Atty. Ma. Janina Hidalgo, spokesperson for the Office of the Ombudsman. “Considering that elections are coming out and people have to know as part of the mandate of the Office of the Ombudsman.”
The Binays and 22 others are facing charges for violating section 3-E of the Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, Malversation of Public Funds, and Falsification of Public Documents.
Based on the investigation by the ombudsman, the construction of the Makati carpark building was awarded to Hilmarc without passing a proper bidding.
Furthermore, the construction pushed through without undergoing the proper procedure.
Atty. Hidalgo adds that the vice president’s involvement is due to his approval of several payments and various acts “despite the fact that there were deficiencies and violations of the Republic Act 9184 which is in relation to the procurement and processes required by the government.”
Junjun Binay will be charged first together with 22 others while Jejomar Binay has still immunity from the suit being the vice president.
“Yes, he is immune, which is why our investigation and the indictment will have to wait until the end of his term,” Hidalgo tells reporters.
The accused have five days to submit their motion for reconsideration to the Office of the Ombudsman. (Rosalie Coz / UNTV News)
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