By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson has officially dismissed former Isabela town treasurer Nenette Escarda from service for grave misconduct, serious dishonesty and malversation of public funds.

Based on the decision signed on Monday, May 8, Escarda was perpetually disqualified from holding public office, barred from taking civil service examinations, and forfeited retirement benefits.

They are already in talks with Provincial Legal Officer Atty. Alberto Nellas, Jr. in relation to the case.

Meanwhile, Isabela Mayor Irene Montilla, in an interview yesterday morning, said Escarda will be held liable and accountable as the municipal government funds were in her possession.

However, Montilla said a majority of the fund has since been recovered.

A total of P3.1 million worth of checks has been recovered by the municipal government.

“Some agencies have not re-issued checks yet. They are waiting for 120 days for the checks to be considered stale,” Montilla explained.

She also commented that Lacson’s decision to dismiss Escarda was “fair” as it was evidence-based.

Meanwhile, the Commission on Audit is still continuing their probe on Escarda and they have already discovered irregularities in her cash accountabilities, such as collections amounting to P6,629,146 which remain undeposited as of January 20 of this year, and unliquidated cash advances of P972,000 as of cut off date.

Escarda’s dismissal was in relation to an incident on January 21 of this year when her house was allegedly burglarized with the robbers carting away P3.8 million in bank checks and cash worth P2.6 million./DGB, WDJ