Capiz dads commend Senate adoption of Blue Ribbon report
ROXAS CITY – The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) on its regular session last Thursday has approved a resolution commending the Senate of the Philippine for adopting the Blue Ribbon Committee report seeking for the filing of plunder and other charges against former Agriculture Usec. Jocelyn “Jocjoc” Bolante, et al, before the Ombudsman.
The resolution was authored by last termer Board Member Ricky Martin and supported by his colleagues in pro-administration except Board Member Gilbert Ardivilla.
Martin and other seven board members who voted in favor of the resolution are all members of the Liberal Party (LP) and are political allies of incumbent Gov. Victor Tanco, Sr. On the other hand, Ardivilla’s wife Mimi is running under Ugyon Kita Capiz (UKC) and is supporting Bolante.
Bolante and Tanco are contenders in the gubernatorial race in the forthcoming May 2010 election.
Martin said that it’s high time Bolate should face the cases against him to clear his name whether or not he is involved in the alleged P728 fertilizer funds scam.
In its whereases, the resolution stated that on February 2, the Philippine Senate has adopted the Blue Ribbon Committee Report recommending for the filing of plunder, falsification of public documents, false testimony, disobedience to summons and money laundering against Bolante and nine others before the Ombudsman.
“With the conclusion of the Senate inquiry regarding the controversial P728 fertilizer funds scam, and its recommendation as aforesaid, the same will finally bring to light the real truth, and accordingly the people of Capiz will finally see what this controversial funds scam is all about,” the resolution added.
On other hand, Bolante said that the Senate has no power to prosecute any criminal guilt. (See related story)
In his text message sent to TNT, public officials should set as an example for their constituents to respect our constitution.
He also said that he is entitled to be presumed innocent until proven guilty as guaranteed in the Constitution adding that no court, which has the authority to prosecute guilt, convicted him of the said case.
“Mas importante pa bala ina kay sa brownout nga sunod-sunod diri sa Capiz? Ngaa wala sila naga pamangkot insigida sa Capelco kon ano ang problema, kag kon ano ang mabulig sang probinsya sa pag solbar sining problema sa brown out?” Bolante asked.
