CLO gears for probe of CEO scandal
AMATORIO
The City Legal Office (CLO) is now getting ready for the start of investigation against alleged extortionist Ricardo Gumabong. City Legal Office chief Atty. Edgar Gil said with him in the investigating panel are Atty. Mario Caoyonan and Atty. Lorna Laurea.
He said their office could possibly finish the investigation in 15 days, or one month at the most.
Gil said Mayor Jerry Treñas has considered the matter an urgent one and told them to have it resolved the soonest time possible.
As a first step in the conduct of the investigation, the fact-finding team will focus on the affidavits of Alicia Lasdoce, area manager of Rose Pharmacy and Victor Palilio, manager of the Philippine Phosphate Fertilizer Corp.
Lasdoce and Palilio will serve as complainants against Gumabong.
Gumabong's modus was discovered when he tried to ask money from the Philippine Phosphate Fertilizer Corp. He posed as electrical inspector of the CEO and billed the fertilizer firm some P16,724 for the annual inspection fee, for the building plan and for the signatures of electrical engineers.
The News Today carried first Gumabong's foiled extortion attempt until it was carried by other media outlets.
After Gumabong's foiled extortion attempt was made public, the management of Rose Pharmacy also came out. Unlike in the case of Philippine Phosphate Fertilizer Corp., Rose Pharmacy had released some P20,000 to Gumabong for the processing of their permits at the CEO. Earlier, they said they had already paid P21,000 to Gumabong.
Gil added that Gumabong will also be provided with copies of Lasdoce and Palilio's sworn statement. The legal office will also ask Gumabong on whether he wants to avail counsel during the investigation.
Former City Councilor Atty. Joshua Alim has already signified his intention to help Gumabong. It was learned Gumabong has already prepared an affidavit which they will present during the conduct of the investigation.
As to date, Gil refused to talk on the gravity of the offense as well as its corresponding penalties. He said he does not want to preempt the conduct of the investigation. "Due process will be given to Gumabong and we could not judge him outright," said Gil.