Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — The Sandiganbayan issued a hold departure order against dismissed Makati mayor Junjun Binay.
The news was confirmed to CNN Philippines by Atty. Dennis Pulma, Clerk of Court of the 3rd division of the Sandiganbayan.
The court issued the order on March 2.
According to Binay’s legal counsel Atty. Claro Certeza, the issuance of a hold departure order (HDO) is “just part of the legal process.”
“All persons who have posted bail in the Sandiganbayan are issued an HDO,” said Certeza. “The court is not prohibiting the mayor to travel abroad but only requires him to ask prior court permission.”
Related: Ombudsman affirms criminal charges vs. Binays
Binay is facing graft and falsification of public documents charges for the alleged overpriced construction of the Makati City Hall car park building.
Last February 3, the Office of the Ombudsman affirmed finding probable cause against Junjun Binay and his father, Vice President Jejomar Binay, for their alleged involvement in the anomalous P2.2 billion project.
The Binays will face charges for violation of Republic Act No. 3019 or Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, falsification of public documents, and malversation.
Also read: Don’t trifle with the court, Sandiganbayan justice tells Junjun Binay’s prosecutor
The Ombudsman said no public bidding was conducted prior to engaging architecture and interior design firms for the project, which was completed in five phases during the Binays’ terms as mayors.
Based on evidence, there was also an apparent manipulation of the procurement process to favor a certain bidder, the Hilmarc’s Construction Co.
Aside from the Binays, the Office of the Ombudsman also ordered the filing of criminal charges against 22 other Makati City officials and employees.
