Bato dela Rosa upset over P58.8-M subsistence allowance mess in SAF

PNP chief Director General Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa on Monday expressed frustration over allegations that almost P60 million worth of subsistence allowance weren't given to its supposed recipients in the Special Action Force.

Dela Rosa, however, said it was up to the Ombusdman to investigate the matter. He is set to retire on April 19.

"The criminal aspect as well as the administrative aspect of the investigation will be done by the Ombudsman," Dela Rosa said.

"I felt bad. Mag-investigate ang Ombudsman kasi finile na yung kaso," he added.

Former and current SAF personnel filed malversation and plunder complaints against former SAF chief Director Benjamin Lusad and other finance officers for allegedly failing to distribute two years' worth of daily additional subsistence allowance amounting to P58.849 million.

"Galit, kung totoo 'yan, galit ako, it doesn't mean naman talaga na pag finile ang kaso eh totoo na lahat 'yan, hindi natin alam," Dela Rosa said.

"Baka kung totoo man 'yan baka mababa pa diyan or lalaki pa kaya kailangan talaga yung thorough investigation na gagawin ng Ombudsman diyan," he added.

The outgoing PNP chief said that he had already spoken with Lusad, who explained that a portion of the allowance was used to fund the meals of SAF troopers deployed at the New Bilibid Prison.

"Meron silang explanation na binigay sa akin but as I have said since na-file na yung kaso, Ombudsman will take care of the investigation kasi kung pakinggan ko lang yung explanation nila, na may mga explanation na itong pera na ito nagamit sa pera don sa pagpakain sa mga SAF sa Bilibid na merong dalawang, may isa, dalawang battalion na ngayon sa Bilibid, nagamit daw don, may mga explanations na ganon," he said.

Dela Rosa, meanwhile, assured SAF troopers that they will be given what is due to them once the investigation is done.

"Well they will receive what is due [to] them and relax lang sila, huwag na silang magalboroto at everything will be taken care of by the incoming leadership," he said. —NB, GMA News