Filtered By: Topstories
News

Bolante to be charged with false testimony


MANILA, Philippines - The Senate will file a charge of false testimony against a former Agriculture undersecretary implicated in the alleged illegal diversion of fertilizer funds. Senator Richard J. Gordon, chairman of the committee on accountability of public officers and investigations (Blue Ribbon), on Tuesday said they have enough pieces of evidence to warrant filing of charges against Jocelyn “Joc Joc" I. Bolante for evasive testimony on the extent of his participation in the P728-million fertilizer fund mess. He also clarified that the case, instead of perjury, will be lodged before the Justice department, instead of the Ombudsman, since Mr. Bolante is a private citizen. Mr. Gordon said Mr. Bolante violated the Revised Penal Code, citing instances when majority of the committee members found him lying during the hearings on Nov. 13, 25 and 28. He said on Monday the case will be filed with the Pasay City fiscal’s office. False testimony, a bailable offense, is punishable by imprisonment of four months and one day up to two years and four months, Mr. Gordon explained. Violated rules “Clearly, he violated the rules of the Senate and its Blue Ribbon committee and once a criminal case is filed against him, it is now up to the court to decide… “The Senate, meanwhile, will not be sidelined from holding these hearings in aid of legislation, since its principal responsibility is to address loopholes in government procurement projects," a statement quoted Mr. Gordon as saying. Mr. Gordon said Mr. Bolante will be released after the case has been filed. Mr. Bolante’s son Owen has filed a writ of habeas corpus at the Court of Appeals urging the Senate to release his father based on a questionable arrest procedure. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has issued a writ of habeas corpus in favor of Mr. Bolante who has claimed he was illegally detained at the Senate. The Senate Sergeant-at-Arms and Blue Ribbon committee were directed to bring Mr. Bolante before the Court of Appeals at 10 a.m. on Friday. Mr. Bolante claimed the Senate has no legal basis to detain him, and that “the proceedings… [have] no legislative purpose…." He added the Blue Ribbon committee issued the arrest order in violation of his right to due process, and that the arrest order was issued in violation of Senate rules. — BusinessWorld
LOADING CONTENT