Allowances above board, regional prosecutor says

REGIONAL State Prosecutor Fernando Gubalane said he would file perjury charges against businesswoman Brenda Tan who questioned the monthly allowances he received from LGUs.

Tan allegedly claimed that Gubalane received P72,400—more than lawfully allowed—from LGUs.

Tan said he should be receiving slightly more than P30,000.

Gubalane said he was receiving a monthly stipend of P34,000 from four LGUs in Cebu.

These include P12,000 from Cebu City; P12,500 from the Cebu provincial government; P6,000 from Mandaue City; and P3,500 from Talisay City.

Contrary to Tan’s allegations, Gubalane said he doesn’t receive allowances from the cities of Danao and Bogo.

Gubalane also denied reports he harassed Tan after the latter filed a graft complaint against him before the Office of the Ombudsman in the Visayas.

“I don’t intend to harass her (Tan). We will not go beyond what is provided by law,” Gubalane said.

Under Republic Act 10071 or the Prosecution Service Act of 2010, prosecutors shall receive allowances from their respective government units in amounts not exceeding 50 percent of their basic salaries.

Gubalane said his salary is at grade 30 step 5 but he would not confirm the amount.  Reporter Ador Vincent S. Mayol