Abi, Junjun Binay face malversation charges

MANILA, Philippines - Charges of malversation of public funds have been filed on Tuesday against Makati Rep. Abigail Binay and suspended Makati Mayor Jejomar "Erwin" Binay Jr. before the Office of the Ombudsman.

Lawyer Renato Bondal filed the complaint, citing the Makati lawmaker's alleged misuse of her Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) in 2011.

He also said that the Makati mayor should be held liable as it was the city government that was implementing the disbursement of the PDAF.

According to a report, Bondal alleged Rep. Binay of releasing P25 million of her PDAF to two fake non-government organizations (NGOs) in 2011.

Bondal noted that the two organizations - Gabay at Pag-asa ng Masa and Kaakbay Buhay Foundation Inc. - were found to be dubious and fraudulent.

The said NGOs were also reported to have a similar modus operandi with the infamous NGOs of alleged pork barrel scam mastermind Janet Napoles.

Rep. Binay earlier challenged the Senate Blue Ribbon subcommittee to invite her to its hearings on the corruption allegations against her family, following allegations that there were irregularities with her PDAF.