Palace welcomes reopening of fertilizer scam case

Malacañang on Tuesday welcomed the Ombudsman's decision to reopen the case on the fertilizer fund scam, saying there was a need for closure on controversies on alleged "political favoritism." In a press statement, presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda assured that the Department of Justice (DOJ) will continue looking into allegations of wrongdoing by other officials, including former ones. “The point here is to achieve a proper determination of which cases should be filed, based on the evidence, and appropriate prescriptive periods," Lacierda said. Lacierda believed the cases are based on the merits, “where processes are followed diligently, cases built up conscientiously, and by so doing, culpability for crimes carefully considered." “This is what true justice is about: that the state brings to trial cases based not on rumor or innuendo, but facts; and where no official, past or present, escapes either accountability or the rights granted each individual by our constitution: to confront their accusers and achieve, if warranted, an acquittal," he said. In the past, Lacierda noted, the justice system turned a blind eye to the wrongdoings of well-connected people. “What our people demand are the same rules consistently applied to all, without exceptions and with fairness to all concerned," said Lacierda. Acting Ombudsman Orlando Casimiro had ordered an investigation of former President and incumbent Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s alleged involvement in the P728-million fertilizer fund scam. Casimiro junked a previous recommendation to dismiss plunder charges filed against Arroyo due to lack of evidence. He said Arroyo had "direct control" over the actions of then Agriculture Secretary Luis Lorenzo and undersecretary Jocelyn "Joc-Joc" Bolante -- two of the officials the Ombudsman had already recommended charged for the scam. The scam involved the alleged diversion of a total of P728 million amount for fertilizer support to farmers to the 2004 electoral campaign kitty of Arroyo, who was then running for president, and candidates under her ticket. - VVP, GMA News