By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Dismissed former municipal treasurer Nenette Escarda filed an appeal before the Civil Service Commission (CSC) to review the provincial government’s decision released earlier this month.

Atty. Cesar Beloria Jr., Escarda’s legal counsel, said yesterday morning he submitted a copy of the appeal to the Capitol.

Beloria said they decided to submit an appeal to CSC-National Office but opted not to file a motion for reconsideration.

“Ultimately, it will be the CSC who will decide,” Beloria said.

He said his client does not believe the charges against Escarda are commensurate with the offense.

He is hoping the CSC will side with Escarda while respecting the prerogative of the provincial government.

When asked about the planned filing of a criminal case against his client, Beloria said it is already expected and it is also the prerogative of the Isabela municipal government.

“My client will face whatever case that is,” he said.

Beloria also revealed that Escarda is consistent with her position that she will repay whatever funds lost.

Escarda’s family is raising funds to “recompensate the money that was lost last January 21,” he said.

“It is to show good faith. She has no ill intent. They are actually selling properties from family members,” Beloria revealed.

Earlier this month, Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson dismissed Escarda for alleged grave misconduct, serious dishonesty and malversation of public funds.

Lacson’s order, dated May 8, also perpetually disqualifies Escarda from holding public office, barred from taking civil service examinations and forfeited retirement benefits.

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

However, Montilla said around 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,” she said.

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

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