MANILA – Former Makati City mayor Jejomar Erwin “Junjun” Binay Jr. felt relieved after the Court of Appeals (CA) reversed an order to perpetually disqualify him from holding public office.
“I am relieved that the CA has reversed its decision,” Binay said. “At least I can now run for office anew but I am still thinking about that. I am enjoying my private life.”
In a 159-page ruling released on late Monday, the CA said the Office of the Ombudsman erred when it ordered the dismissal of Binay over the construction of the P2.28-billion Makati City Hall parking building.
Associate Justice Edwin Sorongon noted that the administrative case against Binay should be dismissed based on the Condonation Doctrine.
The doctrine was still applicable in Binay’s case even if the Supreme Court struck it down in 2015, Sorongon added.
Under the doctrine, a public official cannot be removed for administrative misconduct committed during a prior term since his reelection to office operates as a “condonation” of the officer’s previous misconduct to the extent of cutting off the right to remove him thereof.
The CA explained that the alleged irregularities that Binay allegedly committed happened before he was elected in 2013./PN
