• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The expenses of the provincial government managed Mambukal Resort and Wildlife Sanctuary in Barangay, Minoyan, Murcia, was initially discovered to have been higher, compared to its income, for the year 2023, Provincial Legal Officer Atty. Alberto Nellas Jr revealed yesterday.
Based on the initial report from the Office of the Provincial Accountant, as of December 29, 2023, the total income from catering services and related collections amounted to P30,375,712, including adjustments for catering services rendered and already settled, as well as collections of the Mambukal food court.
However, it was noted that the total expenses for the same period exceeded the total income, amounting to P33,918,904, said the show cause order issued to Cheryl Decena, former head of the Mambukal mountain resort, and five of its employees, who are disbursing officers.
Nellas said that Decena and five others have already submitted their respective counter affidavits, and they are now in the process of assessing the evidence presented.
Prior to her designation as Provincial Tourism Officer, Decena used to be the head of the Capitol-managed mountain resort.
As officer-in-charge of the Mambukal Resort and Wildlife Sanctuary for the period of 2022 to 2023, the show cause order said that Decena, under the principle of command responsibility, flagrantly neglected to rectify the unliquidated cash advances of her subordinate disbursing officers.
This blatant disregard for her duties directly contributed to the unjustified utilization of Mambukal funds, it added.
If there is an administrative liability, Nellas said it will show in their investigation reports, including recommendations, which are expected to be completed within a month.*