‘Pork’ raps filed vs ex-Nueva Ecija lawmaker

MANILA, Philippines – The Office of the Ombudsman has ordered the filing of charges for graft and malversation against former Nueva Ecija fourth district Rep. Rodolfo Antonino for his alleged involvement in the pork barrel scam.

Former agriculture secretary Arthur Yap; Alan Javellana, Rhodora Mendoza, Encarnita Cristina Munsod and Maria Ninez Guañizo of the National Agri-Business Corp (Nabcor).; Marilou Antonio, representative of Buhay Mo Mahal Ko Foundation Inc. (BMMKFI) and Carmelita Barredo of C.C. Barredo Publishing House were included in the charge sheet.

Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales said Antonino endorsed Nabcor and BMMKFI to the Department of Agriculture as implementors of his livelihood training kits project in 2007.

“Respondent public officers conspired with private respondents in this disreputable scheme to defraud government coffers by preparing fictitious reports and other liquidation documents that would make it appear that the PDAF (Priority Development Assistance Fund)-funded project was implemented,” Morales said.

“In a congressional pork barrel system, including the PDAF, it is the legislator who exercises...control and custody of the PDAF share allocated to him,” Morales stated in her ruling.