FORMER Makati City Mayor Elenita Binay has been acquitted by the Sandiganbayan of graft and malversation of public funds charges in connection with the alleged irregular purchase of hospital equipment for Ospital ng Makati amounting to P9.9 million.
The equipment, which were bought in 2001, allegedly skipped public bidding.
According to the decision, the prosecution failed to prove Binay’s guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
The Anti-Graft Court’s Fourth Division cleared Binay and several others, citing insufficient evidence to support violations of Section 3(e) of Republic Act No. 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act) and Article 217 of the Revised Penal Code.
However, the court handed down convictions to city administrative officer Jaime delos Reyes and supply officer Conrado Pamintuan for the same offenses.
Delos Reyes and Pamintuan, who were found guilty of graft, were sentenced to imprisonment of six to eight years with perpetual disqualification from holding public office.
The duo are out on bail and said they would appeal the ruling.
In response to the verdict, the Sandiganbayan promptly lifted the hold departure order against Binay and others, while also ordering the return of their posted bail bonds.
Binay is the wife of former Vice President Jejomar Binay.
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