Capiz solon denies dragging Bermejo into the fertilizer scam
ROXAS CITY – Despite the worsening rift with City Mayor Vicente Bermejo, 1st District Congressman Antonio del Rosario vehemently denied dragging the name of the mayor into the controversial P728 million fertilizer scam reportedly authored by former Agriculture Undersecretary Jocelyn "Jocjoc" Bolante, also a Capiceño.
"I didn't intend to implicate former Gov. Bermejo in the fertilizer scam but I want to expose the national issue of corruption," Del Rosario said.
Del Rosario, who grilled Bolante in congressional hearing regarding the fertilizer scam, said earlier that he turned down the offer by Jose Barredo of P5 million kickback from the fertilizer scam.
He also said that Bolante's runner on fertilizer offered him 30 percent kickback while another 30 percent will go to Bolante and the 40 percent will be used for the purchase of Foliar fertilizers.
Bolante, who is a native of Dao, Capiz, answered all of Del Rosario's questions and denied knowing Barredo and also cleared Bermejo in the alleged fertilizer's scam.
Earlier, allies defended Bolante saying that Del Rosario did not request nor have pending request for the said fertilizer funds, thus it is unbelievable that he was approached by the salesman.
They also said that Bolante never talked with Del Rosario and if the solon was telling the truth he should have immediately clarified it with the DA.
When this writer asked his reaction, Del Rosario clarified that Barredo and his companion merely brought the papers to him ready for signature for the transaction.
He added that he did not immediately clarify it since the reported commission of corruption happened later.
Meanwhile this writer failed to reach former Gov. Bermejo, now city mayor, for his comment on the issue as he still in Metro Manila at press time.