The Sandiganbayan ruled that former Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista and former City Administrator Aldrin Cuña were guilty of graft in connection with irregularities in the 2019 city government's permitting tracking system project.
During the promulgation by the Sandiganbayan's 7th Division on Monday, both individuals were found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt and sentenced to imprisonment of up to ten years.
In addition to their prison sentences, Bautista and Cuña were also perpetually disqualified, barring them from holding any government position.
"Judgement is rendered finding accused HERBERT CONSTANTINE MACLANG BAUTISTA and ALDRIN CHIN CUNA GUILTY beyond reasonable doubt of Violation of Section 3 (e) of Republic Act No. 3019. They are each sentenced to suffer an indeterminate penalty of IMPRISONMENT of SIX (6) YEARS and ONE (1) MONTH as minimum to TEN (10) YEARS as maximum. Additionally, said accused are sentenced to suffer perpetual disqualification to hold public office," the decision read.
However, the Sandiganbayan did not order Bautista and Cuña to pay fines, as the P32 million in public funds involved had already been received by the private firm, which is not a party to the case.
The case revolves around a P32-million contract between the City Government, during Bautista's tenure, and Geodata Solutions Inc. for the development of an Online Occupational Permitting Tracking System.
Moreover, the permitting tracking system project was designed to expedite transactions at City Hall, transitioning to a fully online digital platform.
The actor-politician, Bautista, served as the mayor of Quezon City for three consecutive terms, from 2010 to 2019.
