“The Complaint was filed following months of case build-up and evidence gathering by the Special Panel composed of field investigators,” the Office of the Ombudsman said in a statement.
Aside from graft and malversation charges, the respondents were charged for alleged violation of the Government Procurement Reform Act in connection with several alleged irregularities in the procurement and award of the contracts for the design, architectural services and the construction of the controversial building.
The elder Binay was Makati mayor while his son was Makati councilor when the controversial building was constructed in 2007. Both had denied irregularities, with the VP Binay linking the accusations to a supposed well-financed demolition job against him.
VP Binay has been very open about his plans to run for president in 2016 and has been the top presidential candidate based on various surveys.
The investigation of the Ombudsman’s Special Panel stemmed from a complaint filed by lawyer Renato Bondal, who was the younger Binay’s opponent in the 2013 elections, and a certain Nicolas “Ching” Enciso VI.
The complainants alleged that the respondents awarded the P11,974,900.00 contract for the design and architectural services for the building to MANA Architecture & Interior Design Company without public bidding.
The respondents also allegedly released payments to MANA without its corresponding deliverables under the contract, the complainants said.
It adds that the bidding and the construction for Phases I and II (out of five phases) of the carpark building proceeded without a detailed engineering plan from MANA, contrary to procurement laws and regulations.
In addition to criminal charges, the respondents, except Vice President Binay, also face administrative charges for grave misconduct, serious dishonesty and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.
The Ombudsman also asked for the issuance of a preventive suspension order pending the result of the investigation. —Elizabeth Marcelo/KBK, GMA News
