Senate blue ribbon panel to subpoena agri-foundation execs - Gordon

The Senate blue ribbon panel today issued a subpoena to all executives of an agricultural foundation that allegedly acted as proponent in the P728-million fertilizer fund scam.

Independent Senator Richard J. Gordon, committee chair, ordered the issuances of subpoena to all the executives of the National Organization for Agricultural Enhancement and Productivity, Inc.

"We will subpoena all the members of the foundation's board of trustees listed in its articles of incorporation," he said.

Gordon disclosed that the executives who will be subpoenaed include the foundation's president, Joselito F. Flordeliza.

He added Gilbert S. Coronel, Jose M. Lautchang, Harry A. Napao and Anastacio Delmo, all members of the board of trustees, will also be summoned.

The Senate panel's investigation revealed that Marites Aytona, alleged runner in the fertilizer fund scam, was engaged as a consultant for the said foundation which served as one of the proponents or implementers of the scam.

Aytona claimed that it was Jaime Paule, a witness who is still being sought by the panel, who engaged her services for the foundation.