Arroyo cleared in P728M fertilizer fund scam
Fourth case vs ex-President dismissed by the Ombudsman
By Tetch Torres-Tupas, INQUIRER.net |
| Former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. AFP file photo |
In a resolution signed by Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales on May 2, 2014, “there is no factual, or legal basis” to show Arroyo’s participation in the scheme.
The resolution further stated that there is no evidence to establish that Arroyo has a hand in the disbursement of fund.
“Criminal culpability cannot be imputed upon respondent [Arroyo] on the basis of the doctrine of qualified political agency…In this case, without proof that respondent actually authorized the acts complained of, she cannot be held liable for the illegal acts of her subordinates,” the resolution stated.
“All in all, complainant’s allegations of respondent’s criminal liability for violation of Republic Act 3019 [Anti-Graft Law] lack any factual or legal basis. This office has no other recourse but to dismiss the case,” the resolution stated.
The resolution recommending the dismissal of case against Arroyo was submitted to Morales on May 8, 2013 but Morales approved the recommendation only on May 2, 2014.
In 2011, the Office of the Ombudsman already recommended the dismissal of case against Arroyo, but a reinvestigation was conducted after another plunder complaint was filed.
This is the fourth case dismissed by the Ombudsman against the former president. Read more on INQUIRER
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