Ombudsman suspends Makati Mayor Junjun Binay and several city officials

In line with the on-going investigation regarding the overpriced Makati City building that drags the name of the Makati Mayor Junjun Binay and several city officials, Ombudsman decided to suspend them during the inquiry process. The Ombudsman gave them a six-month preventive suspension as they scrutinize the said contract which also involves the city treasurer and Bids and Awards Committee members.

The suspension was announced by the Ombudsman in the afternoon of March 11. The issue of the alleged overpriced building started last year which several Makati officials including Makati Mayor Binay were asked to attend the Senate hearing and even involving Vice President Jejomar Binay on the said anomaly.

The said anomaly involves the failure of Makati to conduct public bidding when it awarded the P11.97M contract for the design and architectural services to MANA. It also includes the violation of the procurement law the bidding and construction for Phase I and II of the 5-phase building were bidded out without a detailed engineering plan from MANA.

In the article of Rappler, that some documents used in the procurement and award of the construction contract to Hilmarc were falsified. According to their report, Hilmarc’s was awarded at least P2 billion ($44.67 million) in government contracts for infrastructure projects in Makati City from 1999 to 2004. The said dates cover the mayoral terms of Vice President Binay and wife Elenita, who was Makati mayor from 2001 to 2004.