BY DOMINIQUE GABRIEL G. BAÑAGA
BACOLOD City – Negros Occidental governor Eugenio Jose Lacson officially dismissed the former town treasurer of Isabela from service.
Nenette Escarda was found liable for the loss of about P6.62 million in cash and checks of the local government after her house was reportedly burglarized in January.
Lacson signed a 10-page decision on Monday, May 8. Escarda was investigated for alleged grave misconduct, serious dishonesty, and malversation of public funds.
Escarda was also perpetually disqualified from holding public office, barred from taking any civil service examinations, and her retirement benefits forfeited.
Isabela mayor Irene Montilla said yesterday morning that she discussed with Provincial Legal Officer Alberto Nellas Jr. the filing of a criminal case against Escarda.
Montilla said a total of P3.1 million worth of checks have been recovered by the municipal government, but not everything.
“Some agencies have not reissued checks yet. They are waiting for 120 days for the checks to be considered stale,” Montilla explained.
Meanwhile, the Commission on Audit’s probe on Escarda is still ongoing. (With a report from Philippine News Agency)/PN
