Ex-Rizal governor cleared in fertilizer scam

MANILA, Philippines — The Sandiganbayan has acquitted former Rizal governor Casimiro Ynares Jr. and six other former provincial officials of graft charges in connection with their alleged involvement in the 2004 fertilizer fund scam.

In a ruling promulgated on Oct. 7, the anti-graft court said the prosecution failed to establish the guilt of the accused.

Ynares was specifically acquitted of two counts of violation of Section 3 (e) of Republic Act (RA) 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, and another two counts of violation of Section 3(g) of the same law.

Also acquitted of the same offense were former provincial accountant Cecilia Almajose, agriculturist Danilo Rumbawa, human resource management office head Eugene Durusan, assistant budget officer Victorina Olea, legal officer Eduardo Torres and provincial administrator Virgilio Esguerra as well as private respondent Mallyne Araos, a representative of supplier Feshan Philippines Inc.

Filed by the Office of the Ombudsman in February 2017, the cases stemmed from the purchase of BioNature liquid fertilizer from Feshan Philippines Inc. in November 2004 and March 2005 amounting to P3.597 million.

The ombudsman said the purchase was done without holding a public bidding, in violation of RA 9184 or the Government Procurement Reform Act. The procured item was also allegedly overpriced by P3.237 million.