ON OCTOBER 21, Negros Occidental governor Bong Lacson issued a six-month suspension without pay against Provincial Tourism Officer Cheryl Decena and four of her former staff at the Mambukal Resort and Wildlife Sanctuary in Murcia town.
The reason cited was the delayed liquidation of cash advances, which allegedly resulted in a loss of about P3 million to the provincial government.
Charged with simple neglect of duty were Mambukal employees Mark de la Cruz, April Love Wee, Alfredo Tolosa III, and Ester Jane Ignacio. For Decena, the basis of her suspension was command responsibility as the former head of Mambukal’s office.
Stunned and Thunderstruck
Of course, Decena was stunned — thunderstruck, even. She could hardly believe what the hell happened to them, considering that the unliquidated amounts were from 2023 and had already been settled.
Instead of hiding, Decena faced the media and released a statement titled “Why?”
Here’s Decena’s statement in toto:
“The six (6)-month suspension order imposed against me and four other former disbursement officers of Mambukal Resort for Simple Neglect of Duty is unwarranted.
“The two main allegations were:
“The failure to submit liquidation documents on time, and
“That losses were incurred by Mambukal Resort when I was Officer-in-Charge.
“These allegations were belied by documentary evidence showing that liquidation was made within the deadline set and that Mambukal Resort even reflected an initial income of nine (9) million pesos.
“We will be filing a Motion for Reconsideration, and we hope that Governor Lacson will have an impartial legal team revisit the case, review all the documents, and exonerate us.
“There is a pattern of harassment in the provincial government against individuals who have honestly served the province for years — some of whom have either been forced to resign or slapped with unfair penalties. This begs the question — WHY?”
With Clarity
Reading and analyzing Decena’s statement, it’s clear that she spoke with both clarity and confidence. But one can’t help but ask — why such a harsh penalty?
My research shows that under government rules, simple neglect of duty is punishable by suspension from one month and one day to six months, or dismissal for a second offense. This means Decena and her colleagues were meted out the maximum penalty — even as first-time offenders.
Decena appealed to the governor — her direct superior — to revisit the case and look into the real facts.
Governor Lacson’s curt reply? “Just file a case with the CSC (Civil Service Commission).”
Gosh!
Why the Harshness?
Decena is no ordinary department head at the Capitol. Before this alleged liquidation issue, public knowledge suggests that she was part of the “elite circle” — closely working with both Governor Lacson and Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz II. She was often seen accompanying them on official trips abroad.
Thus, the P64,000 question: Beyond the liquidation issue, is there something deeper behind this case?
Quite intriguing, indeed — and that’s why this has now become the talk of the town.
Too Deep
By calling herself the “latest victim”, Decena appears to be expressing her resentment toward those wielding power at the Capitol. That’s serious.
Decena isn’t alone. Since 2019, nearly a dozen department or division heads at the Capitol have reportedly been either charged or compelled to resign — simply to keep the peace.
I know them by name, but I choose not to mention them here.
Is Capitol breeding a culture of fear?
Governor Bong still has more than two years left before he completes his third and final term. It’s as if he’s navigating rough seas of discontent within his own workforce — the very people under his command at the provincial Capitol.
Decena’s statement, undeniably, had a “shock and awe” effect. Many praised her courage for daring to challenge the governor publicly. Most, in her position, would have chosen silence and self-preservation.
Decena stood firm, unafraid to air her side. For that, many now call her the “Darling of the Capitol” — for standing up for what she believes is right and fighting for what she knows is just.
‘Confidently Beautiful’
Everyone knows Decena faces an uphill battle. Yet she — “confidently beautiful,” literally and figuratively — seems to be drawing a line in the sand. Her actions suggest she’s setting limits, making a stand, and taking a firm position. In effect, she’s waging a war of nerves, subtly putting the governor under psychological pressure to explain the “hows and whys” of her suspension.
Many admire Decena’s resolve to challenge what she deems unjust — even if her chances of victory remain uncertain. But what matters most is that she has started the fight. Win or lose, at least she stood up for herself — and for those other Capitol heads./PN
