Ex-energy secretary, mother indicted over fertilizer scam

MANILA, Philippines — Former energy secretary Carlos Jericho Petilla and his mother Remedios, incumbent mayor of Palo, Leyte, are facing charges for their alleged involvement in the fertilizer fund scam.

The Petillas were charged with violation of Section 3 (e) of Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act before the Sandiganbayan on April 6, the Office of the Ombudsman announced on Friday.

Former provincial officials – agriculturist Rogelio Portula, assistant treasurer Rodolfo Badiable and accountant Tessie Ligutan – and Marilyn Castillo of Castle Rock Construction were included in the charge sheets.

Graft probers said the provincial government during Remedios’ term as governor paid P3.131 million to Castle Rock for the purchase of 350 gallons of liquid fertilizer.

Jericho, who succeeded his mother after the May 2004 elections, purchased another 350 gallons for P1.686 million also from Castle Rock.

The ombudsman said the Petillas gave “unwarranted benefits, advantage and preference” to Castle Rock, noting that it bagged the contracts without public bidding.

The Petillas signed and approved “unnumbered and undated” purchase orders, reports and other supporting documents, the ombudsman said.

Bail was recommended at P30,000 each for the Petillas and P60,000 for the other respondents.

Remedios also served as congresswoman of the first district of Leyte from 2004 to 2007. She is on her third term as Palo mayor. 

The younger Petilla was Leyte governor from 2004 to 2012. He was appointed energy secretary in November 2012 by former president Benigno Aquino III.