Lorenzo, Joc-joc, equally guilty By Angie M. Rosales 07/09/2010

Ex-Senate prober Magsaysay says Lorenzo, Joc-joc, equally guilty By Angie M. Rosales 07/09/2010 Despite having concluded in a Senate report sent to the Ombudsman that former Agriculture Secretary Luis “Cito” Lorenzo is a principal accused in the P728-million fertilizer fund scam and in the same accusatory league with his undersecretary, Jocelyn “Joc-joc” Bolante, former Sen. Ramon Magsaysay Jr. yesterday said that as long as Lorenzo names names, especially in identifying those in “higher offices,” Magsaysay implied that Lorenzo could be given the kid glove treatment, as well as be granted immunity from suit, even if Lorenzo and Bolante are equally guilty. President Aquino a day earlier had hinted broadly that he was for granting Lorenzo immunity from suit and make him a state witness in the same fertilizer scam. It will be recalled that Bolante, at a previous hearing conducted by the House committee on agriculture, had testified that Lorenzo authorized him to “download money” for the purchase of fertilizer and farm implements in 2004. It could all end up as a “he says, but another he says” story, with Lorenzo placing full blame on Bolante, while Bolante will point to Lorenzo as having ordered him to “download” the funds. Lorenzo is among those found to be liable in the P728-million fertilizer fund scam, having signed some documents for the release of some funds. Magsaysay, who led the first Senate inquiry into the fertilizer fund scandal in 2005, took note of this, following reports that Malacañang wants Lorenzo as a state witness. Lorenzo recently returned to the country after almost four years of self-exile in the United States. He left on the eve of his scheduled appearance in the Senate, earning him contempt charges from the committee on agriculture then under the chairmanship of Magsaysay. In a radio interview, Magsaysay noted his panel’s recommendations to hold accountable Lorenzo along with former President Arroyo and alleged architect in the “mismanagement” of the farmers’ subsidy fund, Joc-joc Bolante.... MORE Source:  The Daily Tribune URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/headlines/20100709hed1.html

HEADLINES Lorenzo, Joc-joc, equally guilty Lacson sends surrender feelers to Justice chief LPs into raiding Villar’s NP, no success Aquino-approved AFP leadership changes quizzed Faeldon recognizes Noy gov’t but crusade vs corruption stays No need for Truth Commission, says Marcos Jr.