Ex-Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista acquitted of graft charges

Former Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista has been acquitted of graft charges concerning a P25.34 million solar power project deal.

The Sandiganbayan Third Division did not unanimously acquit Bautista, with Justice Karl Miranda issuing a dissenting opinion.

Miranda argued that Bautista and former city administrator Aldrin Cuña should have been convicted for approving the release of payment to Cygnet Energy and Power Asia Inc.

The private firm had failed to secure a net-metering permit from Meralco after installing a solar power system and waterproofing the Quezon City civic center building.

Miranda cited that the contract was signed two weeks before the end of their term, and payment was approved and checks signed two days prior.

He stated that midnight contracts require a heightened degree of diligence and that this case could have served as a cautionary tale.

As a result of the acquittal, the hold departure order against Bautista in this case has been lifted.

However, Aldrin Cuña was found guilty of graft and sentenced to six to eight years imprisonment, with his P90,000 cash bond ordered doubled.