Sandigan acquits ex-DA chief
FORMER Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala has been acquitted of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act charges filed against him 11 years ago.
In its 40-page decision, the Sandiganbayan Sixth Division acquitted Alcala after the prosecution failed to prove beyond a reasonable doubt the charges of violation of Section 3 (e) of Republic Act 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act) filed against him in 2012.
Court records showed that the case stemmed from the unlawful granting of accreditation to the Isa Akong Magsasaka Foundation Inc. (IAMFI) on Sept. 27, 2012, as a development partner of the Department of Agriculture (DA) for its Agri-Pinoy Trading Center (APTC).
The APTC was a flagship program during the term of the late President Benigno Aquino lll and aimed to provide marketing services available to the stakeholders, primarily farmers.
On July 13, 2010, the IAMFI was duly incorporated under the law after registering the foundation to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
