Court denies Binays’ bid to suspend graft trial

MANILA, Philippines–The Sandiganbayan Third Division has denied the motions of former Vice President Jejomar Binay and his son former Makati City Mayor Junjun Binay to suspend graft proceedings against them, in connection with the P2-billion Makati City parking building controversy.

The Binays said they had pending appeals questioning an audit order to return some P2.29 billion spent for the building project.

But the Sandiganbayan said that appeal “does not divest the court of its jurisdiction to hear and try these criminal cases.” —PATRICIA DENISE M. CHIU