Ombudsman orders the dismissal of Junjun Binay over the parking building


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On Fri afternoon, Oct 9, Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales ordered the dismissal of Makati Mayor Junjun Binay over the controversial Makati City Hall Building II, which is also referred to as the “Makati Parking Building.”

“Morales explained that Binay will be dismissed for grave misconduct and dishonesty, as there were ‘irregularities in the services and contract for the construction in several phases of the parking building.’ She also recommended that Binay be prohibited from serving in any government position. His benefits will also be forfeited,” report Jong Manlapaz and Yuji Vincent Gonzales On Inquirer.net.

In an ambush interview, Morales was quoted as stating: “We have promulgated our resolution. I ordered the dismissal of Mayor Binay for grave misconduct and dishonesty. What goes with it is perpetual disqualification from holding public office, forfeiture of retirement benefits.”

The report noted: “Morales said it will be up to concerned authorities if Binay, who is eyeing reelection as Makati mayor, will still be allowed to file his certificate of candidacy (COC) for the 2016 elections.”

Morales pointed out, “It’s up to the authorities if he files a COC and still be honored, that’s no longer my concern.”

The Ombudsman’s order is tagged as immediately executory. Binay, however, can file an appeal.

Then again, according to InterAksyon.com, the Binay camp claims that they have yet to receive a copy of the dismissal from the Ombudsman.

“Dismissal by press release ang ginawa ng Ombudsman,” Joey Salgado, spokesperson for media affairs of the Office of Vice President Jejomar Binay said in a statement.

Salgado also mentioned the dismissal was done hastily because the start of the filing of COCs for the 2016 polls is on Mon, Oct 12. Binay is eyeing a reelection as Makati Mayor.

The Ombudsman, however, refutes the allegation that the dismissal was decided on in great haste. For comparison, the Ombudsman said that “undue haste” was evident when, under the Binay administration in Makati,  “it took the Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) only 11 days to complete the procurement process for the multi-million peso (Makati Parking Building) project.”

Binay was twice ordered suspended by the Ombudsman this year — first in March for the for the alleged overpricing of the second Makati City Hall Building, for which the Court of Appeals ordered a temporary restraining order, and then again in June in connection to the Makati Science High School Building.
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



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