The Sandiganbayan has thrown out graft and falsification charges against former Vice President Jejomar Binay, his son Junjun Binay, and 13 other individuals linked to contracts worth over PHP 1.4 billion for the construction of the Makati Science High School (MSHS). The court’s decision, detailed in an 86-page resolution dated December 13, 2024, upheld the demurrer to evidence submitted by the defendants, leading to the dismissal of the cases. The court highlighted the absence of any adverse findings or notices of disallowance from the Commission on Audit during the six phases of the MSHS construction as evidence of the accused’s good faith. The charges stemmed from a 2015 complaint by the Ombudsman, alleging irregularities in the PHP1.34 billion construction project and the PHP16.45 million procurement of architectural and engineering services. The accusations included a conspiracy with Infiniti Architectural Works Hilmarc Construction Corp. to manipulate the bidding process for the project’s phases. Alongside the Binays, other officials cleared of charges include former city administrator and BAC chairperson Marjorie De Veyra, city legal officer Pio Dasal, budget officer Lorenza Amores, accountants Leonila D.G. Querijero and Cecilio Lim III, city treasurer Nelia Barlis, BAC secretariat member Norman Flores, and BAC members Giovanni Condes, Rodel Nayve, Eleno Mendoza, Gerardo San Gabriel, Manolito Uyaco, and Ralph Liberato.
Sandiganbayan Dismisses Graft Charges Against Binays in Makati Science High School Case
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