BAGUIO CITY — Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales personally defended on Tuesday the basis of the imposition by the Office of the Ombudsman of the suspension order against Makati City Mayor Jejomar Erwin Binay Jr.
During the interpellation by Associate Justice Presbitero J. Velasco Jr., Morales argued that they have a “strong evidence of guilt” against Binay which was made as basis of the suspension order.
According to Morales, Binay approved the release of two checks in 2013 as payment for the portion of the construction of the Makati City Hall Building II without the “supporting documents.”
Morales said that such action of Binay was a violation of a Circular Memorandum of the Commission on Audit (COA) in 2012.
The Ombudsman added they also confirmed that there was no publication of the “invitation to bid” for a portion of the project involving the Makati City Hall Building II, which was contrary to what the camp of the mayor was insisting.
Likewise, Morales clarified that although it appears that there is “strong evidence of guilt,” there is still no “substantial evidence” to be considered against Binay, because if ever, they can already impose a penalty against the mayor.
She further argued that in administrative cases, only substantial evidence is needed to punish a government official.