Elenita Binay acquitted of graft

MANILA, Philippines — The Sandiganbayan Fifth Division has effectively dismissed the graft case against former Makati Mayor Elenita Binay in connection with the procurement of overpriced office furniture in 1999.

“After a careful examination and evaluation of the Prosecution’s evidence, and taking into account the Prosecution’s own admission that it had no direct evidence available for the proper prosecution of the charge against accused Binay, the Court finds the evidence against accused Binay insufficient to support a finding of guilt beyond reasonable doubt,” the anti-graft court said in the June 10 resolution.

The antigraft court said the prosecution had failed to prove beyond reasonable doubt that Binay was motivated by malice, gross inexcusable negligence or evident bad faith in approving the transaction.

Binay faced one count of graft for supposedly giving undue advantage to Office Gallery International, Inc. in 1999, when she purchased office furniture which cost some P72.065 million during her term as Makati mayor.

The court ordered that Binay’s bail bonds be returned and the hold departure order issued against her lifted.