Ombudsman junks Bolante, Lorenzo’s motions vs plunder charges

The Office of the Ombudsman has junked the separate motions for reconsideration filed by former Agriculture secretary Luis Lorenzo and undersecretary Jocelyn “Joc-Joc" Bolante in relation to the plunder cases recommended against them for their alleged involvement in the P728-million fertilizer fund scam. After the denial of the motions on Thursday, Acting Ombudsman Orlando Casimiro ordered the immediate filing of plunder charges against the two former officials as well as nine others who allegedly “conspired" in the scam. The Ombudsman recommended last April the filing of plunder cases against Lorenzo and Bolante for their roles in the fertilizer fund irregularities. The scam involved the alleged diversion of P728 million that were supposedly allocated for fertilizer support to farmers, to the 2004 electoral campaign kitty of Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who was then running for president, and candidates under her ticket. The Ombudsman likewise junked motions for reconsideration filed by ex-Agriculture assistant secretary Ibarra Poliquit, former Rep. Nanette Castelo-Daza, former Marinduque Gov. Carmencita Reyes and former Catanduanes Rep. Verceles Jr. Plunder charges were also recommended against Poliquit, while cases for violation of Republic Act 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act) were ordered filed against the three other officials. — Andreo C. Calonzo/KBK, GMA News