Ex-VP Binay, son Junjun seek Sandiganbayan nod to travel to Israel

Former Vice President Jejomar Binay and his son, former Makati City Mayor Jejomar Erwin "Junjun" Binay, asked the Sandiganbayan to allow them to travel to Israel in May for a pilgrimage.

In separate motions submitted to the Third Division, the father and son sought the court's permission for them to travel to Israel from May 15 to 29 to join the pilgrimage led by Father Francis Gustilo.

They noted that the pilgrimage will be the last one to be led by Father Gustilo, the former Father Provincial of the Salesian Fathers in the Philippines.

Aside from them, their immediate family will also join the pilgrimage, including former Makati Mayor Elenita Binay, Jejomar's wife.

"It is very important to note that Movant is almost 75 years old and a family man. Movant believes that this pilgrimage to the Holy Land is an exceptional case for a devout Catholic," Jejomar said in his motion.

The charges against the Binays stemmed from their alleged conspiracy with other city officials to award a contract to Mana Architecture and Interior Design, Co. (MANA) for the design of the Makati City Hall Building II project, allegedly without holding a public bidding.

The Ombudsman said payments totaling P11,011,294.77 were given to MANA “despite its failure to deliver the approved plans and specifications under the contract.”

The Ombudsman said the Binay father and son also awarded three contracts totaling P1.486 billion to Hilmarc’s Construction Corporation for Phases One, Two and Three of the project through a rigged or “simulated public bidding” despite the absence of approved budget appropriation, project plan, and specifications.

The Third Division is also handling the graft and malversation cases against Mrs. Binay in connection with the alleged anomalous purchase of P45-million worth of hospital beds and medical supplies  during her incumbency as the mayor of Makati City in 2000 and 2001. —KG, GMA News