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Graft accused lies under strict vigil in hospital

Policemen and senate security officers formed a tight security wall over a government official, who was hospitalised after he returned from the US on Tuesday, to testify on alleged misuse of fertiliser funds.

  • By Barbara Mae Dacanay, Bureau Chief
  • Published: 23:43 October 29, 2008
  • Gulf News

Manila: Policemen and senate security officers formed a tight security wall over a government official, who was hospitalised after he returned from the US on Tuesday, to testify on alleged misuse of fertiliser funds.

Former agriculture undersecretary Jocelyn "Joc-joc" Bolante was wheeled into St Luke's Medical Centre in suburban Quezon City shortly after arriving from the United States.

Bolante was deported from Chicago after he failed in his bid to seek political asylum in the US.

He was supposed to be arrested by the Senate police for not testifying during probes in 2005 about his alleged involvement in the release of 728-million peso (Dh60.6 million) for the purchase of fertilisers in 2004.

The opposition alleged that the money was diverted to the campaign funds of President Gloria Arroyo in the 2004 presidential elections.

Defence

In a statement, Bolante said: "I will answer any and all accusations at the proper forum".

"Not that I am back, I shall fulfil my promise to face the issues and all the malicious accusations against me," Bolante said, adding, "First, I shall seek a medical checkup and treatment due mainly to the mental and physical stress and ailments brought about due to my detention in the United States."

Lawyer Antonio Zulueta had requested that Bolante be brought to a hospital after the latter complained of chest pains. Bolante was accompanied by his wife and son at the hospital suite.

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