Bolante to end up homeless - Gordon

Senator Richard J. Gordon (Ind.) today said former agriculture undersecretary Jocelyn "Joc-Joc" Bolante will certainly end up homeless.

Gordon, chairman of the Senate blue ribbon committee, issued the statement in response to Bolante's challenge that he would give up his house in Ayala-Alabang to anybody who would prove that he pocketed the P728-million fertilizer fund.

"He (Bolante) will really lose his house. The very fact that he was in hiding in the US (United States) points at his guilt. He only came home after he was deported," he said.

"His challenge for people to prove his guilt is typical of people who acted with impunity. Ang tapang ng apog," he added.

Gordon pointed out that the former Cabinet official is only enjoying his freedom and was even able to announce his intent to run for governor of Capiz next year because of the Ombudsman's inaction and reluctance to move on the cases recommended to be filed against Bolante.

The Senate panel concluded its investigation last February and came out with a committee report. The panel recommended the filing of charges of plunder, technical malversation, money laundering, false testimony/perjury against Bolante.

However, more than half a year has passed but the Ombudsman has yet to act on the recommendations.