Manila, Philippines – The Sandiganbayan has ruled that former Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista is guilty of graft over an anomalous process automation system covering P32.11 million for city hall. Bautista and his former city administrator Aldrin Cuña have been sentenced to six to 10 years imprisonment, also perpetually disqualified from government office.
The case emanated from the 2019 procurement of an Online Occupational Permitting and Tracking System (OOPTS) from Geodata Solutions Inc. The Sandiganbayan specifically found that Bautista and Cuña have fully approved the payment to the company even if there was no fully functional system delivered. Further, missing regarding the legislation of a specific appropriation approved by the city council for the project.
Former vice mayor and mayor of Quezon City for several terms claimed he was innocent and politically motivated. His lawyer claimed that they would file a motion for reconsideration of the decision.
This is a significant turning point in the current thrust against graft and corruption in the Philippines. More than that, it is a reminder of the need for transparency and accountability in public procurement processes.
