SAGUPA-SB to testify on Fertilizer Scam

Press Release by
SAGUPA-SB
November 24, 2005

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte  – Peasant group Samahan han Gudti nga mga Parag- uma ha Sinirangan Bisayas (SAGUPA- SB) is set to testify on November 24, 2005 before the Senate hearing on the controversial fertilizer scam. The group will be represented by its Secretary General, Lito Gacusana and accompanied by Northern Samar’s peasant group, PESANTE-NS through its representative, Jose Tico.

The groups were called upon to testify in behalf of all farmers in the region if they have indeed received fertilizers supposedly distributed to farmers last April 2004, a few weeks before the May 10, 2005 elections.

SAGUPA- SB has earlier stated the obvious, according to Maritess Macabuhay, Research Officer of the group. “We have not received a single drop from the liquid fertilizer supposedly intended for farmers in certain towns, districts and provinces all over the country. The P728 million agriculture fund from the Ginintuang Masaganang Ani (GMA) of the Department of Agriculture just disappeared into thin air and probably landed in the pockets of a few, most especially Madam Gloria Arroyo’s”, stressed Macabuhay.

According to Diana Ragub, Campaign and Advocacy Officer of SAGUPA-SB, one governor, one congressman and two municipal mayors were supposed beneficiaries of the support- funding for the farmers in their respective areas. “Leyte’s Remedios Petilla supposedly received P5 million, same was the case for Leyte’s third district representative, Eduardo Veloso. In Northern Samar, Las Navas mayor, Arlette Tan was also supposedly given P3 million for the purchase of fertilizers. Same goes for Southern Leyte’s St. Bernard mayor” said Ragub.

“These, however, were not felt and received in the grassroots level. What is noteworthy of this is the timing of the fund releases”, said Ragub. Based on records from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), the funds were released last April 2004, when it was not planting season.