Bolante attends House probe on fertilizer mess (3:08 p.m.)
MANILA — After facing senators last Thursday, former Agriculture undersecretary Jocelyn “Joc-Joc” Bolante appeared at the House investigation on the controversial P728 million fertilizer fund scam.
Tuesday’s hearing started about 2 p.m.
Palawan Representative Abraham Kahlil Mitra is presiding over the inquiry.
Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap, whom Bolante linked to the fund mess, also attended the House hearing.
In his opening statement, Bolante told lawmakers that not a single centavo was released to congressmen or governors of provinces and local government units.
“There is no fertilizer scam,” he said, adding that the fund was instead given to the project implementers.
Bolante was accused of being the architect of the alleged diversion of fertilizer funds to the campaign kitty of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo for the 2004 elections.
At the Senate probe, however, Bolante cleared President Arroyo of any involvement in the controversy. (Sunnex)
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