CAUAYAN CITY, Philippines—The Ombudsman has cleared former Isabela Governor Maria Gracia Cielo Padaca of graft charges in connection with the increase of government subsidy for rice farmers in 2007.
In a 16-page decision dated January 20, Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales said there was no sufficient evidence that Padaca wasted provincial funds when she entered into a deal with the National Food Authority (NFA).
The case was filed by Simeon Taguinod, who complained that Padaca abused her authority when she signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the NFA in 2005 and 2006 that increased Isabela’s subsidy for rice farmers.
Taguinod also claimed that the MOA was signed without the approval of the Isabela provincial board.
In her June 29, 2007 counter-affidavit, Padaca insisted that the NFA agreement was legal and did not require the permission of the provincial board.—Villamor Visaya Jr.