Ex-QC mayor Bautista cleared of graft in connection with solar project
Former Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista has been cleared of graft charges by the Sandiganbayan in connection with the city government’s P25.34-million solar power project in 2019.
During the case’s promulgation on Friday, the Sandiganbayan Third Division said the prosecution failed “to prove his guilt beyond reasonable doubt” in the procurement of that facility. The court also lifted the hold departure order on Bautista.
However, Bautista’s former City Administrator Aldrin Cuña was found guilty of graft and was sentenced to six to eight years imprisonment without entitlement to retirement benefits.
The court granted Cuña provisional liberty and, as sought by the prosecution, ordered his P90,000 cash bond doubled. He was given five days to comply with that requirement.
Bautista and Cuña, were charged with violating Section 3(e) of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.
The case stemmed from the city government’s project for the supply and installation of a solar power system and waterproofing works for Civic Building F at Quezon City Hall.
Premature release of funds
Prosecutors alleged that Bautista and Cuña authorized full payment to the contractor, Cygnet Energy and Power Asia Inc., even though parts of the project had not yet been delivered, including the net metering system. The premature release of funds, they claimed, caused undue injury to the government.
Bautista argued that he was no longer mayor when the check was released. He also maintained that documents show the project was completed, the solar power system was operational and the contract underwent proper bidding procedures approved by the City Council.
