Feshan exec admits Agri dept is biggest client in fertilizer trade

MANILA, Philippines - A high-ranking official of Feshan Philippines, the company that allegedly cornered most of the contracts in the P728-million fertilizer fund scam, admitted on admitted that the government is their biggest client, particularly the Department of Agriculture. During the resumption of the hearing, Reden Antolin, vice-president and chief operating officer of Feshan, said they cornered about P100-million deal with the DA and local government units in connection with the fertilizer fund program. The amount was confirmed by the Commission on Audit. However, Antolin failed to answer questions regarding the fertilizer deal as he claimed he has nothing to do with it. Antolin said he is in charge with the semi-conductor business. "The details I do not know. It is the president (Julie Gregorio) who handles the fertilizer. My hands are full with the semi-conductor," Antolin said. Gregorio earlier confirmed his attendance to the hearing but was not present as she is sick. Antolin said he did not know whom Gregorio was dealing with as regards the deal with DA. However, he knew that Leonicia Marco-Llanera was one of Feshan's agent. Llanera was not present at Wednesday's hearing. Antolin said that from what he knew, Maritess Aytona was a consultant of Llanera's company. He said he does not know Jose Barredo Jr. Barredo, in his earlier statement before the committee, said he was recruited by Aytona to talk with the project proponents of the fertilizer program and receive the money on behalf of Feshan once delivery of the fertilizer was made. - Amita Legaspi, GMANews.TV