Binays’ arraignment for P2.2-B graft deferred anew

For the second time, the Sandiganbayan deferred the scheduled arraignment of former Vice President Jejomar Binay and his son former Makati mayor Jejomar Erwin “Junjun” Binay Jr. for multiple criminal cases in connection with the alleged anomalous construction of the P2.2-billion city hall parking building.

The court’s Third Division yesterday ruled to postpone the arraignment as it has yet to resolve the Binays’ respective motions to quash the cases.

The court did not set a new schedule for the arraignment.

The elder Binay was present at yesterday’s proceedings but immediately left the Sandiganbayan building, refusing to grant an interview with reporters.

He is facing nine counts of falsification of public documents, four counts of graft and one count of malversation of public funds for phases one, two and three of the alleged overpriced construction of the parking building during his term as mayor.

Binay Jr., meanwhile, is the primary accused for two counts of graft and six counts of falsification for phases four and five of the construction of the parking building.

He is also named as coaccused of his father for two counts of graft and one count of malversation for the phase three of the project.

The arraignment of the Binays was first set on Nov. 10, 2017 but it was deferred due to the pending motions.