Gordon to end fertilizer fund issue investigation

Sen. Richard J. Gordon yesterday vowed to end the Senate’s investigation on the P728-million fertilizer fund scam.

Gordon said the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, which is conducting a probe on the multi0million fertilizer fund program, is preparing an preliminary report on its initial findings after successfully conducting five hearings on the issue.

The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee chairman said he is ready to submit the initial report for its members’ signature before Senate resumes session on Jan.19. The next hearing was scheduled on Jan.20.

“The Blue Ribbon Committee’s investigation will push through and would only conclude once we have clearly established the role and liability of all personalities involved in this project,” he said.
“We will not leave any stone unturned and we will recommend and make sure that those responsible for this anomaly will receive their proper punishment,” Gordon added.

The committee on Ja.20 will hear the testimony on Jaime Paule, an alleged runner of former Agriculture Undersecretary Jocelyn Bolante, who is said to be mastermind of the scam.

Paule surrendered before the committee last Dec.23 and has promised to testify under oath before the Senate and denied any knowledge of the purported anomaly and knowing Bolante.

--Manila Bulletin