Press Release
December 16, 2008

Senate blue ribbon panel expects Bolante to keep his word

The Senate blue ribbon panel is expecting former agriculture undersecretary Jocelyn Bolante to be true to his word that he will not flee and will attend tomorrow's continuation of the Senate probe into the P728-million fertilizer fund scam.

Independent Senator Richard J. Gordon, committee chair, today said they are giving weight to the assurance given by Bolante during last week's hearing that he will attend the next hearing, set for 12 pm tomorrow, despite his release from Senate detention.

"Before the hearing ended, I asked Mr. Bolante if he can assure the Committee that he would attend the next hearing. He said he would, and I am taking his word. That has been put on record," he said.

Bolante was cited for contempt for his evasive and false testimonies during the Nov. 13, 25, & 28 hearings, thereby detaining him in the Senate premises until he purges himself of contempt or a case is filed against him in the DOJ or Ombudsman.

He has been released from the Senate's custody on Wednesday last week after formal charges had been filed against him at the Department of Justice (DOJ) for disobedience to summons and false testimony.

Gordon disclosed that the panel is also expecting two other vital witnesses - Maritess Aytona, alleged runner; and Leonicia Marco-Llanera, alleged financier - to finally attend tomorrow's hearing.

Also expected to attend are Atty. Vicente Aquino, executive director of the Anti-Money Laundering Council; Ibarra Poliquit, former agriculture assistant secretary now GSIS vice president for Physical Resources Office; Agriculture Undersecretary Belinda Gonzales; Julie Gregorio and Reden Antolin, president and vice president of Feshian Philippines, Inc, respectively; Jesus Tanchanco, of the Livelihood Development Foundation, Inc.; Samuel Bombeo, Sr., Molugan Foundation, Inc; and Gondalina Amata, National Livelihood Development Corp. president.

Also invited again include Dir. Flerida Jimenez, director III; Atty. Salvador Isiderio, director IV; Team Leader Emma Regino, Cluster 6; and Auditor Carmen Antasuda - all from the Commission on Audit.

News Latest News Feed