Binays’ ask Sandiganbayan to allow them to travel to Israel

Former Vice President Jejomar “Jojo” Binay, Sr. and his son former Makati City Mayor Jejomar Erwin “Junjun” Binay, Jr. have asked the Sandiganbayan to allow them to travel to Israel in May for a pilgrimage. (Photo: Jejomar Binay/Facebook)

MANILA—Former Vice President Jejomar “Jojo” Binay, Sr. and his son former Makati City Mayor Jejomar Erwin “Junjun” Binay, Jr. have asked the Sandiganbayan to allow them to travel to Israel in May for a pilgrimage.

In two separate motions filed before the Sandiganbayan’s Third Division, the father and son asked permission to allow them to travel to Israel on May 15 to 29, 2017 to join a pilgrimage which will be led by Fr. Francis Gustilo.

They said the pilgrimage in May would be the last for Fr. Gustilo, who is the former “Father Provincial of the Salesian Fathers” in the Philippines.

Fr. Gustilo is also the “spiritual facilitator” of the Binay family in their regular bible meetings every Tuesday in Don Bosco, Makati City.

“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,” the former Vice President said in his motion.

The graft charges against the Binays stemmed for their alleged “conspiracy” with other Makati City officials for the award of the contract to the Mana Architecture and Interior Design, Co. (MANA) for the design of the Makati City Hall Building II project, which did not undergo a public bidding.

According to the Office of the Ombudsman (Ombudsman), a total amount of Php 11,011,294.77 was paid to MANA despite the non-compliance with the approved plans and the specifications provided under the contract.