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Sunday, September 17, 2006
Senator: US irked by loss of agri fund
MANILA -- Senator Sergio Osmeña III hinted Saturday that the alleged disappearance of a United States grant fund to the Philippines could have been the main reason why the US government is serious about the case of former agriculture undersecretary Jocelyn "Joc joc" Bolante.
In a radio interview, Osmeña said the $20-million grant given in 2003 by the US government to the Philippines through Public Law (PL) 480 was diverted to the controversial fertilizer fund of the Agriculture Department.
"Even without that case (criminal charges against Bolante to pave the way for the extradition process), America is holding him. It's very surprising that the Americans are so serious with this case," the senator said.
"And this is maybe because of the missing grant fund that the US is so mad about," he added.
The US government has been providing the Philippines grant fund worth $20 million a year.
Its surplus agricultural products like soya beans and wheat are sold and the proceeds in the amount of $20 million are lent to the Philippines and payable in 30 years with no amortization in the first 10 years.
"I have a feeling that they are building a case relating to PL 480 against him (Bolante)," Osmeña said.
"In 2003 the commodity loan was diverted to (former National Food Authority administrator) Arthur Yap and Arthur Yap purchased fertilizer using the funds. The NFA has nothing to do with buying and distributing fertilizer," he said.
Under PL 480, the senator said the commodity loan should have been given to the Agriculture Department, but normally it is given to the National Anti-Poverty Council to alleviate poverty.
"They (council) lend money to small farmers and agrarian reform beneficiaries," he said.
Osmeña reiterated the Senate's call for the Office of the Ombudsman to file plunder charges against Bolante, the alleged main architect of the P728-million fertilizer fund scam, so that the extradition process would be applied against him.
But even without the case, Osmeña is pleased with the continued detention of Bolante whose petition for bail was even denied.
"It's nice the US is holding him, unlike in the Philippines where the Office of the Ombudsman is sitting down on his case," he said. (REC/Sunnex)
(September 17, 2006 issue)
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