Fertilizer Scam

The Senate Committees on Agriculture and Food, and Accountability of Public Officers and Investigations (Blue Ribbon) have concluded that agricultural funds intended for farmers were diverted by Agriculture Undersecretary Jocelyn "Joc-joc" Bolante for the 2004 electoral campaign of President Gloria Arroyo. Testimonies and corroborative statements of DA officials, 13 farmer groups, Commission on Audit officials, Budget Secretary Emilia Boncodin, and alleged "runners" of Bolante concluded that farmers did not get a single "farm input or implement" in 2004. At least two LGU officials testified that then districts did not receive any fertilizer in spite of records showing that deliveries had been made. Several Congressmen also denied having made requests for fertilizer assistance or receiving fertilizers.