Salubre’s dismissal won’t affect salary release of Capitol employees

CEBU, Philippines - Sudden change of command in the Provincial Treasurer’s Office that was made days before the long weekend caused worries to close to 2,000 Capitol employees who are expecting their salaries to be available today.

But dismissed Provincial Treasurer Roy Salubre assured the employees that checks for salaries were signed last week in time for the cut-off.

Salubre’s dismissal order was served last week.

The Office of the Ombudsman earlier ordered Salubre’s dismissal from service together with former Provincial Assessor Anthony Sususco, Provincial Engineer Eulogio Pelayre and Budget Officer Emme Gingoyon after they were found guilty of grave misconduct for the purchase of the 24.9-hectare Balili property worth P98.9 million.

Suspended Governor Gwendolyn Garcia and former Provincial Board Member Juan Bolo were also found guilty of the same offense.

Last Monday, the Provincial Board approved to change the signatory for all checks of the Provincial Capitol from Salubre to Assistant Provincial Treasurer Manny Guial.

Salubre said that they were hoping to file for a Temporary Restraining Order to the Court of  Appeals.

But Acting Governor Agnes Magpale said operations still need to proceed despite the appeal of Salubre.

This is the reason the PB had to appoint Guial.

Guial started signing checks yesterday and confirmed that salaries will be available today.

Salubre said he respects the resolution approved by the PB but raised concerns on the process of changing bank signatories.

He explained that although a dismissal order has already been served, there must be a formal transfer from him to Guial.

According to Salubre, just like retirement of personnel, one would not be able to leave his post immediately and would have to turn over his accountabilities to the next one in command.

Salubre said department heads like him who handle money of the Provincial Government, the Bureau of Local Government and Finance (BLGF)  has to issue first a Regional Special Personnel Order, which will then be forwarded to the Provincial Governor then to the PB for approval of the change of signatory.

But apparently, due to time constraints considering that banks will be closed for the next four days, Salubre said that if the checks were received by the bank, it would be good to go.

Based on the letter from BLGF acting regional director Carmelane Tugas, Guial is just on ‘caretaker capacity’ since there was no formal turnover yet.

Guial said this was done so flow of activity in their office would not be disrupted.

He confirmed though that he has signed information sheets and specimen signature card of the depository banks of the province.

The Province has three depository banks namely; Development Bank of the Philippines, Landbank of the Philippines and United Coconut Planters Bank.

The Philippine Veterans Bank also has special savings and depository accounts of the Province.

Guial said that formal turnover and auditing will possibly be done on Monday. — (FREEMAN)