• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
A show cause order has been issued yesterday against former acting municipal treasurer Nenette Escarda, to explain the missing P7 million in cash and checks, owned by the municipal government of Isabela, Negros Occidental.
In his issued memorandum order, dated February 7, Provincial Administrator Atty. Rayfrando Diaz disclosed that the show cause order will serve as a valid complaint against Escarda, pursuant to Section 11 of the 2017 Rules on Administrative Cases in Civil Services.
Based on the letter of Isabela Mayor Irene Montilla to the Bureau of Local Government Finance Region 6, Commission on Audit report and police blotter, Diaz said that Escarda, without authority from Mayor Montilla, removed P2.6 million in cash and P3.8 million in checks from the safekeeping of the Municipal Treasurer’s Office of Isabela, and brought it to her home in Bacolod City, last month.
Based on the examination conducted by the COA, dated January 31, it noted irregularities in the cash accountability of Escarda, being the acting municipal treasurer of Isabela, including undeposited collections of P6,629,146.18, as of Jan. 20, and cash advances of P972,000, which remain unliquidated as of the cut-off date, he added.
Diaz ordered Escarda to explain in writing, or submit an affidavit under oath, within five days, why no criminal, civil and administrative cases will be filed against her.
During his meeting with Escarda and Mayor Montilla, Diaz said the former Isabela municipal treasurer apologized, and also stressed that she did not take anything from the government.
He also assured Escarda, who is now reassigned to her previous position at the Provincial Treasurer’s Office, pending investigation of the incident, of due process, and told her to explain everything that transpired.
We hope her reasons are convincing enough, and that she will be able to prove her innocence, Diaz said.
He admitted that he was surprised that it happened, as Escarda is nearing retirement.
“Things like this happen at the most unexpected time and with the most unexpected people,” Diaz further said.
It is a little bit disappointing and frustrating because despite the things we do for employees, all the benefits and support, this happens, Diaz pointed out.*
