Ombudsman reviews fertilizer fund scam report

MANILA, Philippines -- Assistant Ombudsman Jose de Jesus Jr. is reviewing the report of a fact-finding panel that looked into former agriculture undersecretary Jocelyn “Jocjoc” Bolante’s involvement in the fertilizer fund scam of 2004.

De Jesus heads the Office of the Ombudsman’s Preliminary Investigation and Administrative Adjudication and Monitoring Office.

In an interview, De Jesus said the fact-finding body gave him a very thick stack of documents to study before submission to Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez for decision.

“The special panel created for the purpose of conducting preliminary investigation and administrative adjudication was able to submit its recommendations within the timeframe given them,” he said.

“This morning, the records and recommendations were delivered to my table. I’ll be through with my review before the end of the week.”

De Jesus said he cannot give details of the investigation until he and Gutierrez have studied or reviewed the documents.

“We have other cases, but I believe that the Ombudsman is going to give this matter utmost priority,” he said.

Last week, senators investigating the fertilizer fund scam criticized the Office of the Ombudsman for taking too much time to complete its investigation.

Bolante has not been charged with any crime despite allegations that he masterminded the so-called scam.

The freeze order on his bank accounts has been lifted by the Court of Appeals, allowing him to withdraw money.

One way to again freeze Bolante’s bank accounts is for the Office of the Ombudsman to charge him before the Sandiganbayan, according to senators.    – Michael Punongbayan