Sandiganbayan says evidence against Cito Lorenzo, Joc-joc Bolante is insufficient

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MANILA, Philippines–The Sandiganbayan has virtually dismissed the case versus former Agriculture Secretary Luis “Cito” Lorenzo and Undersecretary Jocelyn “Joc-joc” Bolante on the grounds of insufficient evidence. The court has found no probable cause to lay charges against the two, who stand accused of plunder in P728-million fertilizer fund scam under the presidency of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

“When a court or the Sandiganbayan ordered a judicial determination of no probable cause, that means the case was dismissed,” Gilbert Reyes, Lorenzo’s lawyer, said in reference to the court’s ruling released late Wednesday.

Reports over radio station dzMM disclosed that the Sandiganbayan has given the Office of the Ombudsman 60 days to submit any additional evidence that would enable them to continue with the case.

Seven others, aside from Lorenzo and Bolante, were also accused of plunder in the same case: former Assistant Agriculture Secretary Ibarra Poliquit and private fertilizer suppliers Jaime Eonzon Paule, Marilyn Araos, Joselito Flordeliza, Marites Aytona, Jose Barredo and Leonicia Marco-Llarena.

The fertilizer fund controversy took place in 2004, during which P728 million in fertilizer funds was allegedly illegally funneled the presidential campaign of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Graft complaints against the former president were dismissed by Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales on may 2, 2014, for lack of evidence in relation to the scam.