Ombudsman clears Arroyo in P728-M fertilizer scam

MANILA, Philippines – The Office of the Ombudsman said it found no evidence to implicate former president and incumbent Pampanga Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in the P728-million fertilizer scam. 

In a resolution released on Thursday, May 8, the Ombudsman said the complainants, which include several anti-Arroyo groups, failed to present documentary or testimonial evidence that would prove Arroyo’s involvement in the scheme.

“All of the documents submitted by complainant were prepared and signed by other persons, and not by respondent. Not one of them may be traced back to her. Thus, no reasonable conclusion may be made that she, directly or indirectly, took part in the alleged irregularities that attended the entire process in the release of the fund,” the resolution said.

Watch this report below.

On July 4, 2011, the Ombudsman filed plunder charges before the Sandiganbayan against former agriculture undersecretary Jocelyn “Joc-Joc” Bolante, former agriculture secretary Cito Lorenzo, former assistant agriculture secretary Ibarra Poliquit, and private individuals identified as Jaime Paule, Marilyn Araos, Joselito Flordeliza, Marites Aytona, Jose Barredo and Leonicia Marco-Llarena.

Mrs Arroyo was initially excluded because of presidential immunity. But then Acting Ombudsman Orland Casimiro ordered a reinvestigation into her possible involvement, arguing that Lorenzo, after all, was her alter ego.

The Bolante fertilizer scam, which was investigated by the Senate Blue Ribbon, involved P728 million in Department of Agriculture (DA) funds under the Ginintuang Masaganing Ani misused by legislators in collusion with their partners—private suppliers and foundations that were recipients of the funds.

It was believed the farm fund was used to finance the political allies of Arroyo for the May 2004 polls, which she won.

Arroyo: Relief

“Complainant failed to present any documentary or testimonial evidence proving respondent’s [Arroyo’s] alleged knowledge of, or participation in, the scheme perpetrated by Lorenzo and Bolante,” the Ombudsman resolution clearing Arroyo said.

The Arroyo camp welcomed the development. Lawyer Raul Lambino, Arroyo’s spokesperson, told DZMM the decision shows that the reelected lawmaker’s alleged involvement in the scam has no “legal and factual basis.”

Arroyo is presently on hospital arrest due to another case. She is facing plunder charges over the alleged misuse of P366 million worth of Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office funds.

She has repeatedly appealed to be allowed to post bail, citing her poor health, but the Sandiganbayan has so far denied her petitions. Plunder is a non-bailable offense. – Rappler.com