No plunder raps filed vs Lorenzo, Bolante By Charlie V. Manalo and Aytch S. de la Cruz 07/10/2010

Ex-Agri officials in P728-M fertilizer scam charged with graft, malversation No plunder raps filed vs Lorenzo, Bolante By Charlie V. Manalo and Aytch S. de la Cruz 07/10/2010 Former Agriculture Secretary Luis “Cito” Lorenzo will probably get his wish and be granted immunity after the Ombudsman yesterday filed mere malversation and graft charges against him and others, including his former undersecretary Jocelyn “Joc-joc” Bolante, who were allegedly involved in the P728-million fertilizer fund scam. Several complaints of plunder against Lorenzo and Bolante were filed some four years ago by private parties, but the Ombudsman simply charged the two principals with malversation and graft, both bailable offenses. The charge sheet said Lorenzo is being charged for allegedly giving Bolante a free hand in the disposition of the funds, which would amount to a slap in the wrist, and could well pave the way for Lorenzo to be cited as “the least guilty” and granted immunity by the government in exchange for his testimony. The Office of the Ombudsman is set to summon the indicted. Lorenzo has been included in the Supplemental Complaint Affidavit which the Office of the Ombudsman’s Field Investigation Office (OMB-FIO) filed yesterday, Friday. Named respondents in the case were Bolante and Lorenzo for Violation of Art 217 of the RPC (Malversation of Public Funds or Property) and Sec 3(e) of RA 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act); Belinda and Emma Gonzales for Violation of Art 220 of the RPC (Technical Malversation) and Sec 3 (e) and (g) of Ra 3019.... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/headlines/20100710hed1.html