By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The former treasurer of Negros Occidental’s Isabela town, sacked for alleged grave misconduct, serious dishonesty and malversation of public funds, may reappeal her dismissal before the Civil Service Commission (CSC).

Provincial legal officer Atty. Alberto Nellas, Jr. said yesterday, since the incident involved missing municipal funds, it will be up to the Isabela local government unit if they press criminal charges against former treasurer Nenette Escarda.

Nellas said Escarda was given 15 days upon receipt to appeal the decision.

She also has the option to file directly with CSC.

Nellas further said that Escarda’s case was grave misconduct, hence it carries the penalty of dismissal from the service and forfeiture of her retirement benefits.

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

Isabela Mayor Irene Montilla said the former treasurer would be held liable and accountable as the municipal government funds were in her possession.

However, she said the P3.1 million worth of checks had 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 said.

The mayor also commented that Lacson’s decision to dismiss Escarda was “fair” as it was evidence-based./DGB, WDJ