• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Former Isabela municipal treasurer Nenette Escarda, who is facing administrative charges for grave misconduct, serious dishonesty and malversation of public funds, was suspended for 60 days, effective February 22, as ordered by Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson.
In his issued memorandum order, Lacson said that Escarda, “taking advantage of her official and administrative functions, with grave abuse of confidence, and without authority from the municipal mayor or the national government took and removed the municipal public funds amounting to P2.6 million in cash and approximately P3.8 million in checks,” and took it home in Bacolod City, sometime in January this year.
Lacson also said that the issuance of an order suspending her for 60 days, was made in lieu of pending investigations and the hearing of administrative charges filed against her.
This is to maintain and assert this administration’s resolve in keeping that vigilance for efficient and upright public service, the governor stressed.
A report of the Commission on Audit showed that the collections amounting to P6,629,146.18, as of January 20 this year, remain undeposited, and cash advances totaling P972,000 remain unliquidated.
Escarda has been given three days to answer the charges.
At the same time, Escarda was also advised to indicate whether or not she wants a formal investigation or the submission of a position paper, the memorandum order said.
While the Provincial Legal Office will handle the case, as Escarda is a provincial government employee, Provincial Legal Officer Alberto Nellas Jr., however said they will coordinate with Isabela municipal government since the incident happened in the town.*
