YEARENDER: Ombudsman orders dismissal of Junjun

MANILA, Philippines - The year 2015 ended the political leadership of the Binays in Makati City after Mayor Jejomar Erwin “Junjun” Binay was dismissed from the service by the Office of the Ombudsman due to an administrative case filed against him.

Vice Mayor Romulo Peña, a member of the administration Liberal Party, took over as mayor.

The ombudsman dismissed Binay and ordered his perpetual disqualification from public office on Oct. 9 for grave misconduct and serious dishonesty over the allegedly overpriced Makati City Hall Building 2 worth P2.28 billion.

Prior to this, Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales suspended Binay in connection with the allegedly anomalous construction of the Makati City Science High School Building.

Binay stepped down as city mayor on July 1 pending resolution of his petition before the Court of Appeals for a temporary restraining order. His appeal was not granted by the appellate court.

Tension gripped the Makati City Hall on June 29 as Binay barricaded himself in his office after the Office of the Ombudsman slapped him with a six-month suspension over the allegedly anomalous construction of the Makati parking building.

On Oct. 15, the mayor’s sister, Makati Rep. Mar-Len Abigail Binay, filed her certificate of candidacy for mayor with Makati 1st District Rep. Monique Lagdameo as her running mate.

Abigal earlier said she would give way if her brother is given the chance by the court to seek reelection for his third and final term. But Binay can no longer run for Makati mayor as the Dec. 10 deadline for substitution set by the Commission on Elections has lapsed.

Political pundits have predicted a showdown at the local polls as Peña filed his candidacy for mayor to challenge the Binays.

Peña vowed to continue the programs under Binay’s leadership, especially those concerning the city’s elderly.