By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The Negros Occidental Provincial Legal Office (PLO) has formally wrapped up its investigation against former Isabela town treasurer Nenette Escarda in relation to the missing P6.8 million worth of cash and checks owned by the municipal government.

PLO head Atty. Alberto Nellas, Jr. said his office had finished the investigation within 60 days, since Escarda was placed under preventive suspension.

He said the PLO’s findings have now been forwarded to Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson and they are now waiting for his recommendations.

Nellas added that the investigation was quickly done as evidence is now complete.

Escarda chose to file her position paper during the investigation.

The former treasurer is facing administrative charges for alleged grave misconduct, serious dishonesty and malversation of public funds.

If found guilty, she could be dismissed from service and penalized with perpetual disqualification from holding public office and forfeiture of benefits.

On January 21, Escarda reported to the police that her house in Bacolod City’s Barangay Taculing was burglarized.

A total of P3.8 million in bank checks and P2.6 million in cash were missing./DGB, WDJ