Investigate Gubalane on allowances – fiscals

Regional State Prosecutor Fernando Gubalane is confronted with yet another complaint regarding the allowances he received from local government units.

A group of “concerned” prosecutors requested the Office of the Ombudsman in the Visayas to conduct an investigation against Gubalane for receiving allowances, which were allegedly beyond what was allowed under the law.

The complainants, who aired their grievances through Assistant City Prosecutor Mary Ann Castro, said the issue would be discussed during next month’s meeting of the Prosecutors’ League of the Philippines (PLP).

Castro is the vice president for the Visayas of the Prosecutors League of the Philippines.

Gubalane has repeatedly denied the allegations.

Last month, businesswoman Brenda Tan filed a graft complaint against Gubalane for allegedly receving P72,400 in monthly allowances from LGUs or more than what is lawful.

Gubalane filed perjury charges against Tan.

Gubalane admitted  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.

Under Republic Act 10071 section 16,  prosecutors  shall receive  allowances  from their respective government units in amounts not exceeding 50 percent of their basic salaries. /Ador Vincent S. Mayol