DOJ chief on removal of prosecutors' allowance: It's politically motivated
Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez yesterday scored the removal of subsidy of Iloilo province for provincial prosecutors claiming it was “politically-motivated.”
“Obviously, there is politics here,” Gonzalez said in a telephone interview.
He said the camp of Iloilo Gov. Niel Tupas Sr. perceives Provincial Prosecutor Bernabe Dusaban as against the governor because the prosecutor is allegedly a relative of 4th District Rep. Ferjenel Biron.
“(Tupas) is getting back at Dusaban,” said Gonzalez.
The governor who finishes his third and final term next year is reportedly planning to run against Biron. This was bolstered by the recent change of residency of Tupas from Barotac Viejo to Banate town in Biron's district.
Tupas last week ordered the removal of subsidies to provincial prosecutors including travel allowances, per diem and operation expenses amounting to around P1.7 million annually. The governor claimed that the provincial prosecutors office have been unjustly dismissing complaints against suspected drug pushers who have been arrested by policemen.
Dusaban had earlier denied the allegations.
Gonzalez also dismissed the accusations against the provincial prosecutors.
“It's baseless. Anything can be concocted,” said Gonzalez.
He said by removing the subsidy for prosecutors, Tupas is “hindering public service.”