NegOcc guv deny receiving fertilizer fund
BACOLOD CITY -- Negros Occidental Gov. Isidro Zayco and the late former Gov. Joseph Marañon refused to receive a substantial amount of fertilizer assistance during the election period in 2004.
Zayco, who was Vice Governor then, revealed that he was offered P5 million for the fertilizer fund but he refused. "I was in the list of those who have allocation. But I never received those funds because I have so many questions and doubts about the offer," he said.
Lawyer Jose Ma. Valencia, Governor's Chief of Staff, said then Gov. Marañon was also offered a substantial amount from the controversial fund, but he also refused.
There were documents now showing that the former Governor received the fertilizer assistance, but this was strongly denied by Valencia and Governor Zayco.
"It might be that somebody used the name of the former Governor, but he is very certain that they both refused and never received those controversial fertilizer funds," Zayco said.
This fertilizer fund scam issue has resurrected with the return of then Agriculture Undersecretary Jocelyn "Joc-Joc" Bolante.
The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee still has to decide whether they will open the investigation or not.
But in Bacolod, other elected and appointed officials want the investigation to proceed.