Herbert Bautista, former mayor of Quezon City and veteran actor, has recently become the focus of the media after being accused of being involved in a serious case. Amidst the public’s attention, Herbert has officially responded and surprised everyone by making a very personal statement:
> *”I am not a criminal, I am just a person full of emotions!”*
Herbert Bautista has recently been linked to a frame-up case, which has shocked fans, politicians and the entertainment industry. However, he has strongly denied the allegations, emphasizing that his actions were out of sincere feelings, not wrong intentions.
In his speech, Herbert shared:
> *”Every decision I make, whether in politics or in my personal life, is out of love for the people around me. That doesn’t mean I’m wrong.”*
He also mentioned how public opinion often misunderstands his actions:
> *”Sometimes, sincerity can be distorted. But I believe that the truth will always be revealed.”*
This statement caused social media to explode with mixed opinions. Some supported Herbert, saying that he is an emotional person and is easily misunderstood. However, many people still questioned the reasonableness of his explanation.
One netizen commented:
> “Love cannot be an excuse for wrongdoings, if the allegations are true.”*
It is still unclear how this incident will affect Herbert Bautista’s career, but it is clear that he is facing one of his biggest challenges.
Herbert Bautista, who was once known for his cheerful and sincere image, is facing pressure from public opinion and the law. Is “love” really a convincing explanation, or is this just a way to avoid responsibility? We will have to wait and see how the truth is ultimately revealed.
Ex-Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista found guilty of graft
Herbert Bautista and Aldrin Cuña sentenced to six up to 10 years imprisonment.
Guilty ang hatol ng Sandiganbayan sa kasong graft laban sa aktor at dating alkalde ng Quezon City na si Herbert Bautista.
Ito ay kaugnay sa maanomalyang procurement ng Online Occupational Permitting and Tracking System (OOPTS), na nagkakahalaga ng PHP32.1 million, noong 2019.
Kasama ni Bautista na nahatulang guilty ang dating city administrator na si Aldrin Cuña.
Bukod pa rito, kasama sa hatol ang “perpetual disqualification from holding public office.”
Ibig sabihin nito, hindi na maaring tumakbo o humawak ng anumang posisyon sa gobyerno ang dalawa.
Tatlong terminong umupo si Bautista bilang alkalde ng Quezon City, mula taong 2010 hanggang 2019.
Sandiganbayan’s decision
Ngayong Lunes, January 20, 2025, ibinaba ng Special Seventh Division ng anti-graft court ang kanilang desisyon sa kaso nina Bautista at Cuña.
Ayon sa Sandiganbayan, nilabag nina Bautista at Cuña ang Section 3 ng Republic Act No. 3019 o Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.
Nakasaad sa dokumento ng Special Seventh Division (published as is): “In Quezon City, the old system of applying and paying for occupational permits’ required the physical presence of an applicant in the City Hall which often resulted in serpentine queues and exposure to the elements.
“Change came in 2019 when the Quezon City Government procured an Online Occupational Permitting Tracking System (alternatively, OOPTS or Project) which pivoted to a fully online digital platform.
“Applying these rules, the penalty that shall be imposed on the accused found liable is imprisonment for a minimum period of six years and one month and a maximum period of ten years. Likewise, the accessory penalties of perpetual disqualification from public office are also imposed.
“WHEREFORE, judgment 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.
“No civil liability will be adjudged at this instance considering that the amount of PHP 32,107,912.50 cannot be directed to be paid by either accused, the same having been received in full by a private party which is not a party to this case.”
HERBERT BAUSTISTA’S CAMP RELEASES STATEMENT
Matapos lumabas ang desisyon ng Sandiganbayan, naglabas din ng pahayag ang kampo ni Bautista.
Ayon sa legal counsel ng acor-politician, ikinalungkot at ikinadismaya nila ang naging hatol ng korte sa anila’y mapanirang alegasyon na hindi naman daw totoo.
Saad ng kampo ng dating alkalde: “We are deeply saddened by the verdict of the Seventh Division of the Sandiganbayan against our client, Former Quezon City Mayor Herbert Constantine M. Bautista.
“We strongly believe that our client is innocent of the malicious charge against him.
“He did not commit any act which constitutes the offense charged. The vote is two (2) against one (1) – meaning there exists a cloud of doubt even among the Justices who deliberated on the evidence presented in this case.
“We likewise believe that the pieces of evidence of both sides do not support any finding of guilt against the former Mayor.
“It was established during trial that the Project itself was duly delivered to and received by the Quezon City Government, and therefore, the payment to the supplier was valid. More importantly, it was the administration who succeeded him in office who rendered payment to the supplier.
“It must be emphasized that he never personally and financially gained anything from this Project. Not a single centavo went to our client’s pocket. Most importantly, there was no harm or injury suffered by anyone, let alone the Quezon City Government and its people since they were ultimately able to use this Project.”
Nakatakdang maghain ng motion for consideration ang kampo ni Bautista kaugnay sa naging desiyon ng Sandiganbayan.
“In this regard, we express our gratitude to the Honorable Justice who dissented and appreciated the facts of this case in a rational and objective perspective. The fight goes on.
“We will definitely prepare and file a motion for reconsideration of this decision.
“We hope that the Honorable Sandiganbayan Justices would take a second hard look on all the pieces of evidence that we presented during the trial that shows our client’s innocence of the malicious charge levied against him.”
