Court finds probable cause to arrest Binay, but ex-VP posts bail

September 5, 2017

The Sandiganbayan Third Division has found probable cause to issue warrants of arrest against former Vice President Jejomar Binay and his co-accused in connection with the controversial parking building when he was still a mayor of Makati City.

Before the warrants of arrest could be issued, Binay posted bail for his graft, malversation of public funds and falsification of public documents cases.

“Finally, in view of the voluntary surrender and the posting of bail bond for the temporary liberty of all the accused, the Court need not issue warrants for their arrest,” said the 53-page ruling.

The anti-graft division set Binay’s arraignment at 8:30 am September 29.

“After a careful evaluation of the records of the present cases, this Court finds the existence of probable cause in each of the cases for the issuance of warrants of arrest against all the accused including accused-movants and to hold them for trial,” it said.

The cases stemmed from alleged anomalous contract entered by Makati City government and Architectural and Engineering Services for the construction of Phase 1, II and III of the Makati City Hall Parking Building.

“After an examination of the Resolution… and the documents attached thereto, including the foregoing documents, the Court finds that more likely than not, the crimes of Malversation of Public Funds and violation of Sec 3(e) of RA 3019 (graft law) were committed,” it said. DMS