After 25 hearings, Senate panel says it’s done probing Binay

Vice President Jejomar Binay. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO/ NIñO JESUS ORBETA

After holding 25 hearings, the Senate blue ribbon subcommittee will finally wrap up its investigation on corruption allegations against Vice President Jejomar Binay, Senator Aqulino “Koko” Pimentel III said on Tuesday.

“Our public committee hearings on these two resolutions will end today with the consent of the author of the two resolutions, Senator Trillanes,” Pimentel, chairman of the subcommittee, said when he opened its 25th hearing.

READ: Less than 4 months before polls, Senate resumes Binay probe

Trillanes is Senator Antonio “Sonny” Trillanes IV, who initiated the probe against Binay.

“This representation would like to assure everyone that the legislative ideas based on the evidence that we’ve gathered as well as our finding on the two resolutions shall be forthcoming and just to remind everyone that subcommittee proceedings were undertaken in aid of legislation,” Pimentel added.

The subcommittee earlier released its partial report on its investigation, which recommended the filing of plunder and other criminal charges against those involved in the alleged overpriced Makati City Hall 2 parking building.

In particular, the body recommended the filing of plunder and graft charges against Binay, who was the mayor of Makati City before he became Vice President.

READ: Highlights of partial blue ribbon subcommittee report

Binay’s ally, Senate Minority Leader Juan Ponce Enrile, was present during the last hearing of the subcommittee, his first since he was allowed bail on plunder charges in August 2015 in connection with the pork barrel scam. IDL