No coincidences, these EDITORIAL 07/10/2010

No coincidences, these

EDITORIAL Click to enlarge 07/10/2010 After almost five long years, the Ombudsman is finally tackling the fertilizer fund scam and is reportedly ready to charge former Department of Agriculture Secretary Luis “Cito” Lorenzo and his former undersecretary, Jocelyn “Joc-joc” Bolante. From initial reports, however, the charges aren’t anywhere near plunder, which means that if the Ombudsman does get to elevate this case to the Sandiganbayan, the two, and whoever else is charged along with them, will be able to post bail. This move from the Ombudsman should have been welcomed, especially after the long wait, but such moves at this particular time are highly suspect, considering the fact that this comes shortly after Cito Lorenzo returned to the country, and worse, had met and spoken with Noynoy Aquino, the new Malacañang tenant, who had told the media that yes, they met. Yes, they talked, and suggested that Lorenzo may well become a state witness. Like it or not, such a meeting between the two, even at a yellow party, followed by the Ombudsman’s move to file charges against Lorenzo and of course Bolante, is highly suspicious, as this smacks of Aquino and his Malacañang interfering in the justice system. It could also be that the Ombudsman moved quickly to save the skins of Lorenzo and Bolante and shield the others. But it could also be a push from some people in political power today, to make it easy for Lorenzo, but had to include Bolante and not for plunder but technical malversation. After all, how can Bolante just be solely charged, without Lorenzo? But this development is unfortunate, as once again, the perception has built that despite presidential claims of wanting to reform the justice system, as well as strengthen the institutions, there is again that suspicion of the Palace occupant meddling in such “political” cases, making the “wheels of justice” tread softly on the new Palace occupant’s allies.... MORE Source:  The Daily Tribune URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20100710com1.html

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