SUMMARY
This is AI generated summarization, which may have errors. For context, always refer to the full article.
MANILA, Philippines – Graft charges were filed against former Agriculture Secretary Luis Ramon Lorenzo Jr and officials of the Quedan and Rural Credit Guarantee Corporation (Quedancor) over the implementation of the controversial Quedancor Swine Program (QSP), a credit program meant to support swine raisers.
The controversy exploded during the administration of President Gloria Arroyo when then Senator Panfilo Lacson led an investigation into allegations that funds of the Quedancor Swine Program were diverted to finance Arroyo’s 2004 presidential campaign.
The Office of the Ombudsman found that the implementing company, Metro Livestock Inc, did not deliver to borrowers supplies amounting to at least P47 million. (Instead of cash, the program provides swine growers with supplies.)
The Office of the Ombudsman questioned why there was no public bidding conducted when Metro Livestock Inc was chosen to implement the program. This “resulted in damages” because Quedancor “lacked recourse against the suppliers for late deliveries and non-deliveries.”
A public bidding would have required the suppliers to post a performance bond or contractor’s surety bond.
Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales signed the resolution July 12, finding probable cause to indict Lorenzo and the officials of Quedancor and Metro Livestock Inc.
The Ombudsman said Metro Livestock Inc is “ineligible” because “it failed to comply with the accreditation and eligibility requirements such as the two-year prior operation, and the necessary license from the appropriate government agency like the Livestock Development Division of the Bureau of Animal Industry.”
Quedancor awarded Metro Livestock purchase contracts amounting to P48,606,750 in Mindoro province alone. It’s paid-up capital was said to be only P62,500.
Quedancor is a government-owned and -controlled corporation. Officials facing charges are president and CEO Nelson Buenaflor, and board members Wilfredo Domo-ong, Romeo Lanciola, Nellie Ilas, and Jesus Simon. Quedancor regional assistant Rhomady Bernabe is also facing charges.
Graft charges were also filed against officials of Metro Livestock Inc: general manager Joel Salazar and incorporators Excel Salazar, Francis Edison Peña, Teresa Adille, and Santiago Baldado.
Some respondents were cleared. They are Susana Leones, Celia Tan, Don Jomar Olegario, Meynardo Morilla, Mary Jean Aguila dela Cruz, Enrique Hoseña, Lita Cabungcal, Marilyn Jayagan, and Lorenzo Toleos. Cases against Ruben Conti and Guillermo Cua were also dismissed in view of their death in 2008. – Rappler
Add a comment
How does this make you feel?
There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation.