FINAL REPORT - Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism

committed.
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A criminal complaint under the same Act and the provisions of the
Revised Penal Code on perjury should be filed against Mr. Jesus
Agda, the Provincial Agricultural Officer of the Province of Eastern
Samar on the basis of his false testimony.
8. Similarly, the partners, suppliers or subordinates in the private
sector who worked in cahoots with the above-mentioned officials of the
Department of Agriculture who participated in overpricing, supplying
substandard and diluted fertilizers should be charged as coconspirators
under the Plunder Law and Anti-Graft and Corrupt
Practices Act must be filed.
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Considering the enormous profits these private entities and individuals
amassed, the Bureau of Internal Revenue should likewise investigate
these private entities for possible tax evasion.
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… the order of contempt against Jocelyn Bolante must be enforced.
In addition, the following individuals must be held in contempt:
Secretary Luis Lorenzo
Undersecretary Ibarra Poliquit
The rationale for the enforcement of contempt order against Bolante
and the issuance of contempt against Lorenzo are anchored on their
continuous defiance of the Senate committees.
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10. The Committees recommend that President Gloria Macapagal-
Arroyo must be held accountable in the mismanagement of the
fertilizer fund and take it upon herself to institute measures to correct
the flaws in her administration.
It bears knowing that a number of testimonies adduced during the
hearings were that the fund was indeed used to assure her victory in
the 2004 elections.
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Cognizant of the presidential immunity and respect accorded to the
Chief Executive, the accusations against her in the fertilizer fund
scam is so serious that it places the position of the Presidency in
the balance. The Palace looks at the issue as a mere political tool. Its
refusal to cooperate violates the spirit of democracy, promotes
tyranny and breeds the ground for instability it has in fact stirred.
Failure to disprove the charges, even resorting to shield those directly
responsible for squandering taxpayers' money, suggest her
culpability and involvement in this unforgivable act made against our
poor farmers. Her obvious indifference to examine the matter further
and identify the irregularities surrounding the disbursement of the
farmers' fund is equivalent to breach of official duty by nonfeasance
and inexcusable negligence of sworn obligation. In sum, the same
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