Ombudsman wraps up probe on P728-M fertilizer fund scam

MANILA, Philippines - The results of the Office of the Ombudsman’s investigation into the alleged involvement of former President and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in the P728-million fertilizer fund scam in 2004 are now being reviewed and will be released shortly.

Overall Deputy Ombudsman Orlando Casimiro said the findings of the team conducting the probe have been submitted to Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales for approval.

“I have already submitted the results of the fact finding to the Ombudsman,” he told reporters in a press briefing last Friday.

“Anytime soon,” Morales said when asked when the result of the probe could be released to the public.

As acting Ombudsman last July 3, Casimiro ordered the investigation on Arroyo’s involvement in the fertilizer fund scam, since she was not probed when the complaint was filed because of her immunity from suit as a sitting president.

Former agriculture secretary Luis Lorenzo Jr., former undersecretary Jocelyn Bolante, and several other respondents were investigated and eventually charged with plunder and other offenses.

“It is an elementary principle that a Secretary is an alter ego of the President who has direct control and supervision over Cabinet secretaries,” Casimiro explained.

“There is thus a need to conduct investigation as to the complicity or liability of the former president with respect to the allocation, release and expenditure of the fertilizer funds,” he stressed.

Lorenzo was indicted before the Sandiganbayan for allegedly allowing Bolante to have control and misuse the P728 million intended for the fertilizer subsidy of farmers in 2004, which was allegedly used for Arroyo’s presidential campaign that year.