By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The 60-day suspension on former Isabela town treasurer Nenette Escarda had already ended, but Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson had yet to make a decision on the case.

Atty. Alberto Nellas Jr., Provincial Legal Office (PLO) head, said yesterday Lacson has to decide on their recommendations against Escarda.

Nellas said Escarda had already returned to work at the Provincial Treasurer’s Office.

He added that the purpose of the 60-day suspension on Escarda was to prevent her from influencing the PLO’s investigation.

Nellas also added that the PLO is ready to assist the Isabela municipal government if they decide to file separate charges against Escarda.

Meanwhile, the Isabela municipal police said they have yet to receive complaints against the former treasurer, which could lead to the filing of criminal charges.

Escarda’s suspension stemmed from an alleged burglary incident at her house in Bacolod City’s Barangay Taculing on January 21.

The robbers carted away P3.8 million in bank checks and P2.6 million in cash, owned by the Isabela municipal government.

Escarda was also barred from directly handling the funds as Isabela Mayor Irene Montilla had assigned another person to transport the funds to the bank.

Bacolod City police have also raised several “red flags” on the disappearance of the municipal government’s money.

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

If found guilty, she could be dismissed from the service and penalized with perpetual disqualification from holding public office and forfeiture of benefits, Nellas said./DGB, WDJ