Agri, Budget execs take stand as Senate resumes ‘pork’ probe

By: Maila Ager - 11 years ago

Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – The Senate has resumed its investigation into the alleged misuse of P10 billion in “pork barrel” funds by some senators and congressmen.

Invited to the hearing of the blue ribbon committee were Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala, Budget Undersecretary Mario Relampagos, Director Susan Garcia from the Commission on Audit (COA), and Director Carmencita Delantar of the Budget and Management Bureau.

Also invited were Assistant Secretary Alan Umali, head of Zamboanga Rubber Estate Corporation (ZREC), Assistant Secretary Salvador Salacup, former head of ZREC, and Honesto Baniqued and Allan Javellana, president and former president, respectively, of the National Agribusiness Corporation (NABCOR).

COA chairperson Ma. Grace Pulido-Tan took the witness stand during last week’s committee hearing.