Pimentel files graft raps vs 4 DA execs

MANILA, Philippines - Four top Department of Agriculture (DA) officials face criminal and administrative charges before the Office of the Ombudsman for allegedly forging the signatures of Sen. Aquilino Pimentel III to facilitate the release of P10 million in public funds for supposed organic farming-related activities in Surigao del Sur in 2012.

In a letter attached to his complaint, Pimentel asked Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales to investigate and indict undersecretary for administration and finance Antonio Fleta, supervising administrative officer Delia Ladera, chief accountant Charie Sarah Saquing and budget division officer-in-charge Telma Tolentino for graft and falsification of public documents.

“Pending investigation, I ask that the respondents be preventively suspended as their continued stay in office may prejudice the just, fair and independent disposition of the cases against them,” read the letter.

Pimentel said the DA officials must be held liable for deceit and violation of Republic Act 6713, the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.

“The DA officials falsified a letter of the office of a Philippine senator without any authority, by forging or imitating my signature, and causing it to appear that I, as an incumbent senator, participated in an act or proceeding when I did not in fact so participate, and gave a false narration of facts,” read the letter.

“The falsification of my signature in a falsified letter made to appear as having originated from my office, became the basis for the unlawful disbursement of government funds, amounting to at least P10,000,000.00 from the general appropriations fund purportedly for marginal farm families. The truth is that I wrote no such letter.”

Based on the complaint, during a bicameral conference meeting of the Senate and the House of Representatives on Sept. 24, 2013, Kabataan Rep. Terry Ridon told Pimentel   that he saw during a House hearing on the Department of Agriculture’s budget, a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the DA and Pimentel’s office.

When Pimentel looked into the matter, he found an MOA between the DA and the province of Surigao del Sur, dated Nov. 20, 2012 signed by Fleta, and Gov. Johnny   Pimentel.

Parts of the MOA allegedly stated that Pimentel’s office was allocated funds amounting to P10 million based on a request that Pimentel supposedly signed, asking Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala for funding for organic farming-related activities in the province.

“Despite demand, the Department of Agriculture has refused/failed to produce the ‘original’ of this fake letter. I deny writing, signing or sending this letter,” read the complaint.             – With Czeriza Valencia