Senate probe on PCA `fund scam' urged

Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago sought yesterday a separate Senate investigation into alleged diversion of funds of the Philippine Coconut Authority by the agency's former administrator.

Sergio Eulogio, PCA deputy administrator for corporate affairs, has accused former PCA Administrator Virgilio David of allegedly diverting the agency's funds and property to support the publication of the magazine Smart Files.

Santiago filed a resolution seeking a separate probe by the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee after pointing out that Smart Files attacked known opponents of then President Ramos.

She said Smart Files attacked not only her but also former Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim, former Senate President Ernesto Maceda, former Solicitor General Francisco Chavez, former Trade Secretary Jose Concepcion Jr., businessmen Enrique Zobel, Lucio Tan and Sy Pio Lato, and the Catholic group Opus Dei.

Santiago said that while the Ombudsman's investigation is limited to the criminal liability of David and his former PCA staff, the Senate investigation will be broader.

"It will focus on the theory of conspiracy with Malacañang officials, including Mr. Ramos and his close aide Gen. Jose Almonte," she said.

She expressed the belief that David merely carried out instructions from Malacañang.

"The Senate committee will try to identify who those Malacañang officials were," she said.

In his complaint with the Ombudsman, Eulogio charged that PCA employees served as staff of the magazine, which held office at the PCA building along the Quezon City Elliptical Circle.

Eulogio also alleged that the magazine's staffers, led by Ricardo Manapat, enjoyed free office space, supplies, facilities and equipment provided by the PCA, including an official car for Manapat.