Ynares motion to dismiss fertilizer scam cases nixed

The Sandiganbayan will proceed with the graft trial of former Rizal Gov. Casimiro Ynares Jr. over the alleged irregular purchase of P3.597 million worth of fertilizers from 2004 to 2005.

In a 14-page resolution dated Nov. 29, the court’s Third Division denied Ynares’ argument that the allegations did not constitute an offense.

Ynares had claimed that Section 3(e) of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act applied only to those who have the function to grant licenses, permit or other concessions.

The court, however, said the Supreme Court had already established in a 2014 ruling that the graft law provision still applied to officials.

Prosecutors charged Ynares and several provincial officials with two counts each of violating the graft law for purchasing 2,455 bottles of fertilizers from Feshan Philippines at P1,500 apiece, despite the availability of fertilizers costing as low as P187 per bottle. —Vince F. Nonato