Jocelyn 'Joc-joc' Bolante timeline

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 then Agriculture Undersecretary Jocelyn "Joc-joc" Bolante for Arroyo’s 2004 electoral campaign. Evading further investigation and possible criminal charges, Bolante fled to the United States. His appeal for asylum has been denied by US authorities. Timeline: August 17, 2003 - Senator Panfilo Lacson in his “The Incredible Hulk" speech names Bolante as one of First Gentleman Mike Arroyo's “what-are-we-in-power-for" people. June 3, 2004 - The Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) files a plunder case against President Arroyo and Department of Agriculture officials including Bolante. June 6, 2004 - Frank Chavez files plunder case vs Arroyo and Bolante, among others. Ombudsman Spokesperson Ernesto Nocus says they are willing to do a lifestyle check on Bolante as he reportedly brought his friends to Japan after being elected as Rotary International director for Asia and Pacific region. July 27, 2004 - Marlene Esperat, a former fact-finding investigator at DA, files before the Office of the Ombudsman charges of illegal use of public funds against then DA Secretary Arthur Yap, eight other senior officials of the department including Bolante, and a fertilizer-firm owner for the distribution of some P432-million worth of fertilizers in 2003. September 6, 2004 - Arroyo accepts Bolante's resignation. In his resignation letter, Bolante said he would be unable to give his full commitment to the DA post because of his election as Rotary director. He was reportedly named to the GSIS board after his resignation. March 24, 2005 - Esperat is assassinated in Sultan Kudarat August 23, 2005 - In a privilege speech, Makati Rep. Teddy Boy Locsin says that when he and Rep. Cynthia Villar complained to Bolante that that fertilizers had been bought in their names and later converted to cash, Bolante ignored them: "...The Rotarian Joke-joke bolante did not even dignify our queries with a reply despite the fact that i threatened him on the air. I understand that Joke-Joke has since gone on to greener pastures in GSIS as a board member." October 6, 2005 - the Senate starts its inquiry on the fertilizer fund scam. October 21, 2005 - Rotary members prevents Senate representatives from serving a subpoena to Bolante. October 25, 2005 - Bolante slips out of the country. December 5, 2005 - Bolante returns to the Philippines. July 7, 2006 - US Immigration officials in Los Angeles, California apprehends Bolante for having a canceled visa. August 10, 2006 - The Senate Committee on Agriculture and Food formally conveys to the United States government its objection to Bolante's asylum plea. February 9, 2007 - An immigration court in Chigago, Illinois denies Bolante's application for asylum and and withholding of removal. The court orders his removal from the US. June 25, 2007 - The Board of Immigration Appeals dismisses Bolante's appeal of the denial of his applications for asylum and withholding of removal. July 3, 2008 - Acting on a petition by the Anti-Money Laundering Council, the Court of Appeals orders the freezing of some 70 bank accounts listed under the name of Bolante and other individuals and entities allegedly linked to the P728-million fertilizer fund scam. August 27, 2008 - The US Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit turns down Bolante's petition for review of his asylum claim. The court rules that Bolante "cannot meet his burden of proof on his asylum claim, (thus) withholding of removal (deportation) claim must fail a fortiori." December 3, 2008 - The Senate orders anew the arrest of Bolante. A Senate team arrests Bolante in Makati. Sources: Senate Committee Report No. 54, INQ7, GMA News, GMANews.tv