Former Makati mayor Elenita Binay acquitted of graft, malversation

MANILA, Philippines — Former Makati City Mayor Elenita Binay has been acquitted of graft and malversation by Sandiganbayan in connection to allegations of irregularity in the purchase of P9.9 million worth of hospital equipment for Ospital ng Makati.During the promulgation on Monday, the Sandiganbayan’s Fourth Division acquitted Binay and several of her co-accused of charges stemming from alleged violation of Section 3(e) Republic Act No. 3019 or the Anti Graft and Corrupt Practices Act and Article 217 of the Revised Penal Code, for failure of the prosecution to provide sufficient evidence.

Of the 14 accused individuals, only two — city administrative officer Jaime delos Reyes and supply officer Conrado Pamintuan were convicted of graft and malversation.

Binay, wife of former vice president Jejomar C. Binay, previously filed a motion to file a demurrer to evidence, which basically challenges the evidence presented by the prosecution.

Approval of the motion would allow Elenita Binay to file her demurrer — which, if approved by the Court, would result in the dismissal of the case.

It was, however, denied by the Sandiganbayan last November.  Binay tried to appeal the denial of her motion, but Sandiganbayan insisted that the hearings would continue.

With the decision, the Sandiganbayan Fourth Division ordered the lifting of hold departure orders against Binay and other acquitted individuals, along with the return of the bond they posted for bail.

Binay, in 2021, was also acquitted of graft and malversation charges in connection to another allegedly anomalous purchase of hospital beds and other medical equipment.

In that case, it was only Pamintuan and delos Reyes — both members of the canvass committee — who were convicted.

For the present case, both were sentenced to jail time of six years and one month as a minimum, up to eight years as a maximum.

Both were also barred from holding public office in the future.