Salubre stripped of duties

CEBU, Philippines - Pending appeal of his dismissal from service, lawyer Roy Salubre has already been stripped of his duties and functions as provincial treasurer of Cebu.

The Provincial Board yesterday passed a resolution authorizing assistant provincial treasurer Emmanuel Guial to sign any and all checks drawn against the account of the Province of Cebu along with acting Governor Agnes Magpale.

The depository banks of the Province of Cebu are the Development Bank of the Philippines, Landbank of the Philippines, United Coconut Planters Bank; and Philippine Veterans Bank.

The PB also designated Edna Obenita as the alternate signatory in the absence of Guial replacing Cleofe Gonzaga.

The Bureau of Local Government Finance (BLGF) of the Department of Finance has implemented last week the decision of the Office of the Ombudsman dismissing Salubre from service.

Salubre was reportedly asking for a temporary restraining order before the Court of Appeals saying that the penalty is too harsh.

“It’s his right, tuman lang usa ta, (…we will follow for now.)” Magpale said.

Magpale said they are just following the order of the DOF.

BLGF acting regional director Carmelane Tugas informed Magpale about the implementation of the penalty meted against Salubre.

Pursuant to Memorandum Circular No. 01 dated April 11, 2006 issued by former Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez, “The filing of a motion for reconsideration or a petition to stay immediate implementation of the foregoing Ombudsman decisions, orders or resolutions.

Only a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) or a Writ of Preliminary Injunction, duly issued by a court of competent jurisdiction, stays the immediate implementation of the said Ombudsman Decision, orders or resolutions.”

The BLGF has also directed Guial to assume the duties and functions in a caretaker capacity though it is still subject to the authority from the Commission on Elections. 

Earlier, Graft Investigation and Prosecution Officer Blesilda Ouano found suspended Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia, former provincial board member Juan Bolo, members of the appraisal committee namely, Engr. Anthony Sususco,  Salubre and Engr. Eulogio Pelayre and Budget Officer Emme Gingoyon guilty of grave misconduct for the purchase of the 24.9-hectare Balili property worth P98.9 million.

Only Salubre is under the BLGF while the Department of Interior and Local Government will implement penalty against the rests of the officials.  (FREEMAN)