Ombudsman orders filing of criminal raps vs Binays

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) —  The Office of the Ombudsman on Friday affirmed its order to file criminal charges against Vice President Jejomar Binay and his son dismissed Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin "Junjun" Binay Jr. over alleged anomalies in a construction project.

Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales, through three joint orders approved on Wednesday, ordered the immediate filing of multiple charges of graft, malversation and falsification against the Binays.

As an impeachable officer, the charges against the vice president will be filed after the expiration of his term.

The P2.2-billion Makati City Hall parking building project was completed in five phases and one design phase. It spanned through the terms of Binay Sr. and Binay Jr. as mayors.

The Ombudsman noted that there was no public bidding conducted prior to the Binays engaging the services of MANA as project designer.

The investigation showed that the procurement process was manipulated to ensure that the contract would be awarded to MANA.

Payments worth P11.9 million were made to the project designer despite incomplete submission of deliverables such as design plans, working drawings and technical specifications.

According to the Office of the Ombudsman, joint orders stated that the authority of Morales to investigate Binay Sr. was allowed by the Constitution.

Morales also affirmed the younger Binay's dismissal from service and perpetual disqualification from service.

In October 2015, the Ombudsman ordered the dismissal of Binay Jr. who was found guilty of grave misconduct and serious dishonesty.

Earlier this week, the Senate Blue Ribbon subcommittee submitted its partial committee report with a recommendation to file criminal charges against the Binays.