Junjun Binay dismissed from service

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATE 3) - The Office of the Ombudsman on Friday dismissed Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin "Junjun" Binay Jr. from service and ordered his perpetual disqualification from public office due to the administrative case filed against him.

Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales ordered the dismissal of Binay for grave misconduct and serious dishonesty.

Meanwhile, Makati Rep. Abigail Binay, sister of the Makati mayor, said in the same radio station that her brother has not yet received a copy of the Ombudsman's order.

The Ombudsman also recommended to ban the Makati mayor from seeking public office.

Abigail added that her brother will file an appeal before the Court of Appeals.

Mayor Binay was suspended for his involvement in the alleged overpriced construction of the Makati City Science High School building.

The Ombudsman dismissed Junjun in connection to the anomalous construction of the Makati City Hall building II worth P2.28 billion.

Six docketed complaints and flagrant anomalies were found to have been committed by the Makati mayor, the Ombudsman said in Twitter account.

The 103-page decision also stated that procurement violations were committed due to the absence of publication of invitations to bid for the project.

Four payments with a total of P11.97 million were issued despite incomplete submission of required documents such as design plans and working drawings.

The Ombudsman cited that there was "undue haste" in the award as the city's bids and awards committee (BAC) only took 11 days to complete the procurement process for the said project.

"Even the COA's Fraud Audit Office's Initial Evaluation Report noted that the negotiated procurement adopted by the BAC was improper," the Ombudsman said.

Documents obtained by the Ombudsman showed that Binay Jr. approved the resolutions, notices of awards, contratcs and payments.

Morales stressed that Binay Jr. had the obligation to ensure that the contracts were fair, reasonable and advantageous to the government.

"By so acting, Binay Jr. intentionally closed his eyes to the irregularities by failing to observe utmost diligence," the Ombudsman said.

The Ombudsman also dismissed Masbate Gov.  Rizalina Seachon-Lañete from service in connection with the anomalous utilization of her priority development assistance fund worth P112.29 million from 2007 to 2009. She was also perpetually disqualified from holding public office.