Ombudsman charges ex-vice president Binay, son with graft , falsification of documents

March 9, 2018

The Office of the Ombudsman Friday filed criminal charges against former Vice President Jejomar Binay Sr. and ex-Makati City Mayor Jejomar Erwin  Binay Jr. in connection with an alleged anomalous procurement process in the construction of P1.3 billion building at the Makati Science High School.

In September 2007, the Ombudsman accused the former vice president of entering a P17.37-million contract with Infiniti Architectural Works for the design of the building pegged at 10 storeys high with a four-storey dormitory.

But the Ombudsman claimed there were alleged irregularities in the contract with Infiniti like several misrepresentations in the process of bidding, non-posting of the invitation to bid, and doing away with the competitive bidding in favor of a negotiated procurement instead of a competitive bidding.

The prosecution rejected the claims of the elder Binay and some private respondents at least seven firms were asked to submit their proposals.

According to the witnesses from two architectural firms, the Ombudsman found out they were allegedly not able to join the submission.

The Binays were charged of violation of Section 3(e) of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act and falsification of public documents under Article 171 of the Revised Penal Code. DMS