Gordon shows more 'damning evidence' vs Paule

Independent Senator Richard J. Gordon today said that businessman Jaime Paule can continuously deny his involvement into the P728-million fertilizer project but the strong evidence against him would completely disprove his claims.

Gordon, chairman of the Senate blue ribbon committee probing the fertilizer fund mess, said the Feshan checks endorsed to Paule shows the extent of his involvement into the anomalous project.

"We have obtained a copy of the checks from the Landbank where Feshan had its account. And in the records, we see the name of Mr. Paule. Lumalabas yung pangalan ni Paule, ine-endorse sa kanya yung tseke, nakalagay 'care of' Paule," he said.

Gordon said at least three Landbank checks were endorsed to Paule.

Check numbers 81993 dated June 17, 2004 worth P200,000; 81998 dated June 25, 2004 worth P250,000; and 92212 dated Sept. 8, 2004, worth P1-million all had "c/o Mr. Paule" markings written at the back.

Gordon added that the photo of Paule with his family and other fertilizer fund scam witnesses Leonicia Llarena, Marilyn Araos, Feshan Philippines president Julie Gregorio, and Feshan vice-president Redentor Antolin, shows that he knows them.

The photo, which Llarena said was taken during his 50th birthday last August 2004, shows Paule seated with Araos, Gregorio and Antolin.

"A picture speaks a thousand words. Nagpapatunay na sila ay magkakakilala at napabulaanan yung sinasabi ni Ginoong Paule na hindi niya kilala itong mga taong ito. Talagang wala na siyang any strand of credibility whatsoever before this committee," Gordon said.

He added that more than the documentary evidence against Paule, there are oral testimonies negating his statement that he is not involved in the fertilizer project.

Araos, a "runner" for the said project for local government units in Regions III and IV, said it was Paule who ordered her to open a bank account for Feshan Philippines, threatening that she would lose her job if she does not do so.

Llarena said Paule had sought her help in the project. She had lent him 10 "accommodation checks" that were payable to Feshan, the biggest supplier in the fertilizer project.

Another witness, Marites Aytona, testified that it was Paule who talked her into joining the project by making proposals. She added that Paule gave out instructions on which foundations would be accredited for the project.

Gordon said because of Paule's continuous lying and evasiveness, there is a pending motion to cite him in contempt, which will be discussed and decided by the members of the committee.