The Sandiganbayan has found former Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista and his former city administrator, Aldrin Cuña, guilty of graft stemming from the controversial 2019 procurement of an Online Occupational Permitting Tracking System (OOPTS). The anti-graft court handed both officials a prison sentence of six to ten years and permanently barred them from holding public office.
At the center of the case was a ₱32.2 million contract awarded to Geodata Solutions Inc. for the development of the OOPTS. According to investigations, Bautista and Cuña authorized the contract without securing a specific appropriation ordinance from the Quezon City Council. This critical omission rendered the transaction unauthorized. Furthermore, despite the project not being fully delivered, Geodata Solutions received full payment, raising red flags about the procurement process.
The court highlighted that the payment was approved on June 27, 2019, just days before Bautista’s term ended. Prosecutors argued that the timing pointed to undue haste and a lack of due diligence. The absence of an appropriation ordinance was cited as a blatant disregard for established governmental procedures, leading to the improper release of public funds.
Both Bautista and Cuña maintained their innocence, pleading not guilty during their arraignment in May 2023. Bautista, a public servant for 34 years, claimed the charges were politically motivated, asserting that his long tenure in various roles, including as mayor, made him a target. He expressed frustration over facing legal challenges after decades of service, framing the case as a result of political maneuvering.
Despite their defense, the Sandiganbayan ruled that the evidence presented was sufficient to convict the two officials. The court emphasized that their actions caused undue injury to the government and conferred unwarranted benefits to a private entity. However, no fines were imposed since the funds in question were already received by Geodata Solutions, which was not included as a party in the case.
This verdict underscores the critical importance of adhering to legal and procedural guidelines in public transactions. It serves as a stark reminder that public officials are accountable for safeguarding public resources and maintaining transparency. The perpetual disqualification from office for Bautista and Cuña reflects the serious repercussions of corruption, sending a strong message to government officials.