Sandiganbayan (File photo) MANILA - The Sandiganbayan has cleared a former Department of Agriculture (DA) official of graft arising from the alleged embezzling of more than PHP5 million for the purchase of fertilizer nearly two decades ago. The court's Second Division acquitted former DA-Region 4A director Dennis Araullo, who was charged for violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act after the Commission on Audit found anomalies on the PHP728-million Farm Inputs and Farm Implements Project (FIFP) under the DA "Masaganang Ani" program. Araullo allegedly could not liquidate PHP5.61 million of the PHP94-million fertilizer funds in March 2004. The charges said Araullo transferred the questioned funds to beneficiaries, proponents and/or suppliers of dubious existence or legitimacy, in violation of state audit rules. Araullo claimed there was no unliquidated amount since the balance from the FIFP fund was already reverted to the Bureau of Treasury. "All things c
Sandiganbayan (File photo) MANILA - The Sandiganbayan cleared a former Batangas lawmaker and regional officials of the Department of Agriculture (DA) of graft charges arising from the purchase of farm equipment 18 years ago. The anti-graft court acquitted former Batangas Fourth District Rep. Oscar Gozos in the 2004 contract for the purchase of farm equipment worth PHP3 million under the DA's "Ginintuang Masaganang Ani" program, according to a 23-page decision dated June 24. Also cleared were DA-Batangas District regional executive director Dennis Araullo and field unit personnel Juvylee Obice, Raymundo Braganza, Abelardo Bragas, Felix Ramos, Ofelia Montilla, and Remus Villanueva. They were charged by the Ombudsman before the Sandiganbayan in 2011 following the findings and recommendation of a Senate inquiry in 2005. The program, also known as the PHP728-million farm input fund, aimed to modernize and develop the agricultural sector. The purchase was through direct contrac