The Backstory of the Fertilizer Scam

Bolante was grilled for more than seven hours but the Senators miserably failed to shake him down into admitting any irregularity - Bolante was cool even when irate senators shouted at him and called him names.

Senators did such a terrible job on the Jocjoc investigation prompting Victorina to make its own analysis on the matter.

Senate President Manuel Villar Jr., was not amazed that Bolante washed his hands off the scam. “His denial was not surprising. What would have been surprising was if he suddenly pointed fingers,” Villar said. Roxas and Lacson on the other hand said that they would show the “lies and inconsistencies” of Bolante in future hearings.

San Juan City Mayor Joseph Victor Ejercito also called Bolante “con artist” who has been “acting” since his arrival from the United States on October 28. Estrada added, “Joc-Joc behaved like a member of a criminal syndicate wherein he protected his master at all cost.”

Well guys, there goes our TAXES - To a bunch of media-hungry filibusters who cannot even argue appropriately.

RainB

PCIJ reported that roughly 3 billion pesos were released from the funds of the Department of Agricultural during the presidential campaign of 2004, including the lesser known Swine Scandal and the more popular Fertilizer Scam. This was a combination of tax payers money, the Marcos Funds worth 1 Billion Pesos (transferred from DAR to DA in April 2004) and some other sources. This does not included the Overseas Workers Welfare Fund used to finance the health cards for the poor.

We will pay attention to the scam du jour: the Fertilizer Scam or more specifically the funds meant to provide farm inputs to poor farmers as part of the plan to increase agricultural productivity. It seems the trail was something like this:














Well, we all know the rest from the reports of PCIJ and other media outlets. Farmers did not receive any input, there were too many irregularities. The foregone conclusion was that the amount was used to bolster GMA weak campaign against FPJ. The Senate blamed the Presidency; graft cases were filed at the Ombudsman.

Now, it seems Joc-joc’s testimony in the Senate inquiry reveals a simple game plan! Actual recipients, who honestly accepted the fertilizer and distributed it, are now validating and attesting that they received the fertilizer from JOCJOC BOLANTE in 2004. These testimonies will give credence to JOCJOC BOLANTE's claim that funds for fertilizer were actually distributed to various government officials. JOCJOC BOLANTE and other official in the administration, specially GMA, were never involved in the anomaly. They simply implemented the fertilizer support program for farmers. The scam and anomaly were committed by the government officials who were the conduits of the fertilizer funds!

Abs-Cbn forum opined that with this game plan, JOCJOC BOLANTE, CITO LORENZO and other DA officials, GMA, and leaders of LAKAS party, will be free from blame. Each recipient was accountable for the funds he or she received. Such a game plan cannot be crafted by a sick man bedridden in St. Lukes Hospital.

But who is the main man in this whole choreography, the one who remains silent. Where is Cito Lorenzo? Or who is Cito Lorenzo.

Before Cito became GMA’s favorite, he was Ateneo President Ben Nebres’ golden boy. Before that, he was CEO of Del Monte Philippines when the Lorenzo’s sold out their banana plantation and bought the controlling shares of this agricultural company.

This acquisition started with the macho pride of his brother Marco, who worked as a farm supervisor when Del Monte was still a subsidiary of RJR Nabisco. Because he was an Ateneo boy, he was out of place in the ranch and plantation. He earned the wrath and jealousy of a higher supervisor named Faez Saab, who was the golden boy of another Jesuit, the late Fr. William Masterson. Faez saw to it that Marco was pushed away from Del Monte. Finally Marco succumbed to the pressure and resigned. But he overheard Faez telling the other guys “I will have my dick circumcised again if that Marco returns here in Del Monte.” Bad move. The next year, the Lorenzo’s bought the whole company upon the insistence of Marco. Well, guess who was kicked out.

Luisito took over the CEO function while Marco managed the plantation. At that time, Ateneo wanted to firm up its athletic program because the Blue Eagle failed to bring home the UAAP crown for a long time. Ateneo needed a new center for its new sport program. Thus the Moro Lorenzo Sports Center was built, largely by the donation of Cito’s family with the help of some alumni. And the special friendship between Fr. Nebres, Cito Lorenzo and GMA grew stronger.

Ateneo de Manila produced only one president – a dropout Erap. It was time to groom a potential true-blue Atenista who can redeem them from the disgrace of EDSA 2. The Alumni found in Cito the potential: handsome, eloquent, competent, dedicated and hardworking, with a vision for the poor, at least at the start. His grooming started with a small cabinet office without portfolio yet very high profile: Presidential Adviser on Food Security & Job Creation. He was tasked to create ONE MILLION JOBS for the employment program of GMA. It was a program hatched in the Marcoeconomics Research Center of Ateneo, where GMA taught. Cito implemented the plan by mobilizing the business and agricultural sector and was able to produce the output.

His star was rising. Next, building up on his Del Monte experience, GMA asked him to take over Department of Agriculture. Cito constructed an ultra-modern agricultural project for the country, something that required intense capitalization from the government. In his mind, he wanted the Philippines to be independent from other countries in terms of food production. It was a good plan, but some people had other things in mind. Around this time, Fernando Poe Jr posed himself as the champion of the masses. GMA men needed money because she did not have FPJ’s charm. They needed a sacrificial lamb - our golden boy who dreamed to become the next president.

That was the end of his career.

Let's Talk Jocjoc

Former U.P. President (when I was still a student at the State University) and founder of the country's top law firm ACCRA, Sen. Eduardo Angara said that the a revival of the Senate query on the alleged anomaly surrounding the Department of Agriculture fertilizer fund in 2004 might set a bad precedent. He further said that “that is not the rule of law”. (rare photo: Jocjoc Bolante by the Manila Times)

Please remember that former Senator Ramon “Jun” Magsaysay Jr., has thoroughly investigated the controversy in 2006. Because the Senate has submitted its final report, Angara said it is only the Office of the Ombudsman that can now pursue the investigation. The Office of the Ombudsman should file PLUNDER CHARGES against Bolante for diverting the fertilizer fund to several companies instead of giving them to farmer beneficiaries.

OK, before Andros and my readers get all heated up, let me make it clear that our Presidential election is in close proximity and I would presume that “vociferous” Senators are merely posturing for votes. So we see Mar Roxas getting all excited with the Euro-Generals when it is already established (in my point of view) that they are culpable. The Senate is an unfair forum because the person in question is not allowed to have a lawyer- Plus the fact the Senate has become MEDIA'S "haven for intrigues".

Hey, what the Euro-General’s did was an illicit CASH CONVERSION ( I will not go into the modus operandi because it is an unlawful practice. But I assure you, I’ve been there and seen that.). It is no secret dearies, so if the Senators were genuine, they should have legislated measures to end this malpractice a long time ago. So what’s up with Miriam’s discourteous rhetorics against a cabinet secretary may ask! Well, her revulsion for the Puno’s is another story in this blog.

Angara also said the The Senate President has “no intrinsic power” to issue the order. He said it is only upon the recommendation of the committee that a warrant of arrest may be enforced. If the Senate detains Bolante, Angara said there must be a case filed against him. Otherwise, it’s illegal detention. I tend to agree with Angara because I feel the POLITICAL POSTURING- Remember dearies that the top 3 Presidential candidates have guested in the Good Times show and I have yet to see a sincere candidate!

I would suppose that Angara is suspicious of Senators who simply need the EXTRA PUBLICITY to be President!

Lastly is my personal issue on the ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH interfering with our political affairs. I already had so much antagonism towards Jocjoc - but the Archbishops meddling with our politics turned me off. No offense RainB but I am presently evaluating Father Romeo Intengan's essay endorsed by the National Security Adviser entitled "AFP: Defefender of the Nation, Guardian of Democracy, and Servant of the People" ( Center for Strategic Studies, Ateneo de Manila).

Frankly, the priests essay on National Defense gives me the creeps!

TRUTH must always PREVAIL

After TV bombarded us with the heartrending Maureen Hultman murder, viewers are now hopping mad. Indeed the murder was gruesome and any mother would feel rage if such happened to their child. I pray for sobriety dear readers as I present facts I've researched on.
Though it burdens me to write about the truth, I feel that we should set the record straight. While we remain vigilant in preventing criminality, as a civilized society, we are encouraged to hate the crime but not the criminal.

Above all, TRUTH should always be our guiding light in pursuit of JUSTICE!

The Hultmans REQUIEM of being “not-informed” about the pardon of Teehankee is heard as "deafening wails" to our beleaguered Justice system. The Philippine Daily Inquirer published that- “The Hultmans, who have since relocated to Sweden, protested the seeming haste and SECRECY of the Presidential Pardon. They said that they were not informed beforehand of Teehankee’s release in violation of established procedures.”

But records show that as early as February 6, 2004, the Board of Pardons and Parole has released the “Notice to the Public”. Posted is a copy of the notice given to me (as a journalist) more than three years ago( this was also published in broadsheets)...

The trial to date has been recorded as one of the fastest criminal trials in Philippine history, and the most sensational with the then President Corazon C. Aquino visiting the (dying) victim, Maureen Hultman in the hospital and the then Senator (future President) Joseph E. Estrada appearing in court during the trial in support of the prosecution. Bobbins Teehankee was incarcerated immediately!

5 IMPORTANT events occurred in conjunction with the Hultman Family from 1999 to 2003 before CLAUDIO TEEHANKEE JR, with the help of his family and lawyers, filed his petition for executive clemency in December of 2003.

# On November 19, 1999 a settlement was signed by Anders Hultman, on his and on Vivian Hultman’s behalf, and on behalf of Claudio Jr., his wife and children, and the Teehankee Family, all with the assistance of their lawyers. In this settlement, Bobbins as well as the Teehankee Family expressed their deepest regret and sympathy to the HULTMANS and CHAPMANS. In turn, the Hultman Family expressed that they --recognize[d] that Claudio Teehankee Jr. has shown and exhibited genuine remorse and has been serving his time in good behavior. The HULTMANS through their duly authorized representative herein, will not object nor interpose any objection to the application for such parole or the commutation of shortening of the sentence of Claudio Teehankee, Jr. or to such other similar proceedings or relief provided that the same shall be in accordance of law.

# The Court approved the Settlement Agreement on January 10, 2000 based on a joint motion by the lawyers of both sides.

# The Court then issued a statement of finality on February 17, 2000, making the order approving the settlement and the cancellation of all attachments and garnishments on Claudio Jr.’s properties final.

# During the year 2000 and 2001, the financial components of the settlement were complied with by the Teehankee Family with the family home of Bobbins, with the consent of his wife and children, disposed of in favor of the Hultmans and the MONIES transferred pursuant to the Settlement Agreement,

# On January 13, 2003, the Hultmans (both Anders and Vivian signing) filed a legal document in the Court called a Notice of Satisfaction of Judgment, wherein they say that: Private Complainants Spouses Anders and Vivian Hultman assisted by counsel respectfully manifest that the judgment relative the civil aspect of this case has been settled to their full and complete satisfaction pursuant to the terms of the Settlement of the Civil Aspect executed by the parties on 12 November 1999 and approved by this Honorable Court in its order dated January 10, 2000.

# ONLY THEN AND ONLY AFTER ALL THESE EVENTS AND INTERACTIONS WITH THE HULTMANS did Bobbins through his lawyers file a formal petition for clemency. This was filed on December 22, 2003, the same year that the Hultmans had filed their Notice of Satisfaction pursuant to the terms of the Settlement approved by the Court.

The basis for the application for commutation were the Guidelines of the Board of Pardons and Parole that allowed an inmate to apply for commutation or executive clemency provided that he had served at least 12 years of his sentence, in cases where multiple penalties were meted out and Article 70 of the Revised Penal Code applied such that “the maximum period shall in no case exceed forty (40) years.”

The formal petition recited these preceding events including the no objection agreement and acknowledgment of remorse by the Hultmans on the part of Bobbins.

Pursuant to the Procedures of the Board of Pardons and Parole, on January 28, 2004 and February 6, 2004, notices to the offended parties and prosecutor and presiding judge were issued by the Board, and a PUBLIC NOTICE TO THE WHOLE WORLD was published in the Philippine Star naming 16 inmates (including Bobbins) whose cases were being considered for clemency.

On September 30, 2008, an Order of Commutation was issued by the President culminating the process of the petition Bobbins had filed in 2003, and which order was received by the Bureau of Corrections. The Order shortened the maximum sentence of 40 years (as adjusted under Article 70) to 21 years and 3 months. The clemency for Bobbins was only one of 1,430 orders of executive clemency granted by the President .

Unfortunately, only Bobbins carried the POPULAR family name.

On October 3, 2008, based on actual time served with Good Conduct Allowance credits already standing at 21 years, 3 months and 5 days, Bobbins had legally served his commuted sentence plus more. He called for assistance from family members to pick him up Friday and to help move his things over the weekend. They finished packing late at night.

THIS WAS NO SECRET!

The Chief Executives power is absolute when forgiving. Her Excellency forgave Bobbins- but who do we blame?

Emotions set aside and in the words of ANDROS (I'm a big fan of the guy)---

NOW everything is MOOT and ACADEMIC.

"Empire" under Inspection

I passed by the Fort Strip last Wednesday night, and was surprised to see PDEA personnel and K-9 drug-sniffing entering the Embassy Super Club. I had the chance to interview some of the operatives. Apparently, when I asked one of the agents he said they were merely inspecting the establishment. The agent also added that their K-9 units are very capable of “sniffing” drugs no matter how concealed.

The agents are serious about the "rising "drug problem in the Makati Bar scene.

In a separate interview PDEA Director Dionisio Santiago said that Ecstacy remains the top selling narcotic in such bars, where they are usually sold at P1,200 each. According to the director; "Madali kasi ang bentahan d’yan... wala kaming sino sino kahit matataas na tao," he said. ( The drug is easilly sold and no one is above the law no matter how high they think they are.)

Anti-narcotics agents and their K-9 units checked every corner of the Embassy bar. Drug-sniffing dogs were also placed at the club entrance. A special agent who I knew, also showed me new types of ecstacy available in the market. The “PDEA” according to him, is “dead serious” about the rising drug problem in BARS.

The Embassy gained “notoriety” after a series of squabbles and scandals involving socialites and well-known personalities took place within the bar's premises. Print and television have also been monitoring the bars activities. Ever since the "Gucci Gang" fiasco exploded, "people have become more aware" according to one of the club's regulars. Several blogs have also accused the bar of being a “drug den” for the high society youth.

"This is just the first club [we’re going to inspect]... we hope other clubs also cooperate,” said PDEA information officer Derrick Carrion.

So here I go again with my humdrum metaphors;

Modern negative consequences of actions stemming from HUBRIS appear to be associated with a lack of knowledge, interest in, and exploration of history, combined with overconfidence and a LACK OF HUMILITY.

Hope You Learn!