De Lima: It'll be difficult for Bolante, Lorenzo to turn state witnesses

Should former Agriculture officials Luis Lorenzo and Jocelyn “Joc-Joc" Bolante decide to become state witnesses in the fertilizer fund scam, they have to meet strict criteria first, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said Tuesday. The Office of the Ombudsman recently recommended the filing of plunder charges against Lorenzo and Bolante over the alleged diversion of P728 million in fertilizer funds to the campaign kitty of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in 2004. At a news briefing, De Lima said the process may be tough for the two former officials because turning an accused into a state witness entails removal from the charge sheet and immunity from suit. De Lima said Lorenzo and Bolante can apply for coverage under the Department of Justice’s Witness Protection Program or ask the Office of the Special Prosecutor, the Ombudsman's prosecutorial arm, to consider them as state witnesses. But first, they have to comply with strict requirements, De Lima added. "We have to know exactly their testimonies. They cannot just claim to be state witnesses and claim to reveal things and express the desire to be a state witness without first telling us what they know and what they are willing to testify on," said De Lima. Lorenzo, who was originally not included in the Ombudsman's complaint but was later added to it, was charged for "allegedly giving Bolante a free hand in the disposition of the funds." Apart from Lorenzo and Bolante, nine mostly former Agriculture officials were also ordered charged for "conspiring with one another." They were Ibarra Poliquit, Joselito Flordeliza , Jaime Eonzon Paule, Maritess Aytona, Jose Barredo, Leonica Marco-Llarena, and Marilyn Araos. Nine regional Agriculture officials were likewise recommended charged with malversation for violation of Article 217 of the Revised Penal Code; and violation of Section 3(e) of Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. - Sophia Dedace/KBK, GMA News