MANILA, Philippines – Former Makati Mayor Elenita Binay refused Thursday to enter a plea to charges of graft and malversation of public funds during her stint as Makati mayor.
The Sandiganbayan third division entered a not guilty plea on her behalf.
Binay’s case stemmed from the alleged anomalous purchase of P45-million worth of medical supplies and equipment when she was still the Makati mayor.
She was accused of purchasing hospital beds amounting to P36.3 million and P8.83 million worth of dry heat sterilizers without public bidding.
She was supposed to be arraigned on Nov. 20, 2014 but was moved by the anti-graft court’s third division to January after her legal counsel asked for postponement as they plan to file a motion for reconsideration to stop the trial.
On January 29, the anti-graft court deferred anew her arraignment and scheduled it February 26.