The Ombudsman yesterday filed multiple counts of graft and corruption, malversation, and falsification charges against former Vice President Jejomar C. Binay in connection with his participation in the alleged overpriced construction of the P2.2-billion Makati City Hall Parking Building 2 from 2007 to 2013.
Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales filed the case before the Sandiganbayan almost two weeks after Binay lost his immunity from suit.
Morales promised earlier to file the complaint as soon as Binay stepped down from office.
Binay was indicted for four counts of graft, one count of malversation of public funds, and nine counts of falsification of public documents.
Some one dozen former Makati city officials headed by the former Vice President’s son, former Mayor Jejomar Erwin S. Binay Jr., were included in the charge sheet.
The younger Binay was charged several months ago before the anti-graft court for the same alleged offenses together with other respondents who were also included in the complaint against the elder Binay.
They were Marjorie de Veyra, Pio Kenneth Dasal, Lorenza Amores, Virginia Hernandez, Line dela Peña, Mario Badillo, Leonila Querijero, Raydes Pestaño, Nelia Barlis, Cecilio Lim III, Arnel Cadangan, Emerito Magat, Connie Consulta, Ulysses Orienza, Giovanni Condes, Manolito Uyaco, Norman Flores, Gerardo San Gabriel, Eleno Mendoza, Jr., and Rodel Nayve.
Also included in the indictment were Orlando Mateo from Mana Architecture and Interior Design, Co. and Efren Canlas of Hilmarc’s Construction Co.
The former Vice President was charged for his involvement in the construction of the project when he was mayor from 2007 to 2010.
The younger Binay was indicted for his role in building the project when he was mayor from 2010 to 2013.
Morales said there was no public bidding when the respondent awarded to MANA the design of the building.
Because of their actions, they caused “undue injury to the government by depriving Makati City of the opportunity to obtain the most advantageous offer the project,” according to the Ombudsman.
Joey Salgado, Binay’s spokesman, said the former Vice President “is ready to face his accusers and clear his name in a fair and impartial hearing.” Salgado accused Morales of continuing to be the “protector of the Liberal Party” despite the change of administration.
“Even though there has already been a new administration, the Ombudsman has still shown that she is a protector of the Liberal Party. We all know that a case has been filed against the leaders of the LP because of the ‘anomalous’ Disbursement Acceleration Program,” Salgado said in a statement.
“So in order to shift the attention and public outrage from ‘her patrons’, the Ombudsman busied herself with filing a ‘faulty case’ against former Vice President Binay,” Salgado said.