THE Sandiganbayan has cleared former Makati Mayor Elenita Binay of graft and malversation charges stemming from the P9.9-million purchase of medical equipment for the Ospital ng Makati in 2001.
The anti-graft court’s Fourth Division exonerated Binay of the charges, citing failure of the prosecution to prove her “guilt beyond reasonable doubt.”
But the anti-graft court convicted Binay’s co-accused, namely former Makati City supply officer Jaime Pamintuan and administrative officer Conrado delos Reyes.
Pamintuan and Delos Reyes were both sentenced to six to eight years in prison. They were also perpetually disqualified from public office as a result of their conviction.
Pamintuan and Delos Reyes said they will appeal the conviction verdict imposed on them.
In acquitting Binay, the anti-graft court ordered the lifting of the hold departure order previously issued against the former mayor, and her bail bond were ordered released.
Graft and malversation charges were filed against Binay for supposedly approving without public bidding the purchase of medical equipment for the OsMak worth ₱9.9 million in 2001.