The Sandiganbayan has acquitted former Vice President Jejomar “Jojo” Binay and his son, former Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin “Junjun” Binay, of graft, falsification of public documents, and malversation in connection with the allegedly overpriced ₱2.2-billion Makati City Parking Building project.
📷: GMA News
The project began during the elder Binay’s term as Makati mayor and was later continued by Junjun from 2010 to 2013.
In its ruling, the anti-graft court said the prosecution failed to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
The Sandiganbayan Third Division cleared Jojo Binay of one count of malversation of public funds, four counts of graft, and nine counts of falsification of public documents.
Junjun Binay was also acquitted of one count of malversation, four counts of graft, and six counts of falsification.
As a result, the hold departure orders against the father and son were lifted, and their bail bonds released.
The Binays refused to answer media questions after the decision.
The case stemmed from a 2015 ruling of then Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales, who found probable cause to indict the Binays and 22 others for the alleged anomalies. The same 22 individuals were also cleared by the Sandiganbayan.
Junjun Binay earlier told the court that he “merely approved the release of payments in 2011 and 2013,” stressing that bidding and post-bidding activities were “performed by persons other than him.”
During a Senate probe, he maintained that the parking building was “reasonably priced.”