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 cited the prosecution's failure to prove Bautista's guilt beyond reasonable doubt, noting he acted in good faith based on his subordinate's recommendation.

The court invoked the Arias Doctrine, stating that heads of offices can reasonably rely on their subordinates and the good faith of those involved in negotiations and preparations.

Government prosecutors had alleged that the private firm, Cygnet Energy and Power Asia, Inc., was paid despite not securing a Net Metering System from Meralco.

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

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