Sandiganbayan junks appeal in Binay graft case

The Sandiganbayan has denied the appeal of Efren Canlas of Hilmarc’s Construction Company and Orlando Mateo of Mana Architecture and Interior Design who were charged with former Vice President Jejomar Binay over the alleged irregularities in the construction of the Makati City parking building.

The two coaccused in the graft and malversation charges with Binay both questioned before the court the prosecution’s witness, lawyer Maria Melina Mananghay-Henson, a graft investigator.

READ: Makati parking building ‘implemented with undue haste’ and ‘improper’–COA

The court surmised that Canlas’ and Mateo’s respective motions attempt to use Henson as their own witness, “which this Court cannot countenance.”

In its resolution, the court also debunked the claims of the accused that they were deprived of due process. —DEMPSEY REYES

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