Fertilizer fund scam probe resumes sans Bolante

MANILA, Philippines - The Senate blue ribbon committee on Monday resumed its hearing on the P728-million fertilizer fund scam without former Agriculture undersecretary Jocelyn "Joc-Joc" Bolante. The panel will instead focus on the testimonies of four personalities linked to the mess. Radio dzBB's Nimfa Ravelo said Maritess Aytona, Bolante's alleged runner, will be one of the resource persons expected to further implicate Bolante in the so-called scandal. Aytona is already inside the session hall for the hearing which began around 10:30 a.m. Also expected to testify are Julie Gregorio, president of fertilizer distributor Feshan Philippines; Feshan vice-president Redentor Antolin; and alleged financier Leonicia Marco-Llarena. Also attending the proceedings is witness Jose Barredo Jr. "Ngayon natutuwa kami na nandito na kayo, ngayon pwede na namin kayong tanungin (I am glad you are now here, so we can question you)," said blue ribbon committee chair Richard Gordon in his opening statement. Alleged Malacañang liaison Jimmy Paule, whom Aytona claimed to have transacted with, is still at large. The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is looking for him. Last week, Gordon said Aytona told him she transacted with Paule and Llarena. Aytona appears to be Paule's "runner" and "packager" as she gets a 3 percent commission for every approved proposal to local government units, Gordon said. - Johanna Camille Sisante, GMANews.TV