BY DOMINIQUE GABRIEL G. BAÑAGA
BACOLOD City – Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson of Negros Occidental yesterday morning issued a 60-day preventive suspension against former Isabela municipal treasurer Nenette Escarda in connection with the lost P6.4-million government fund after her house was burglarized last month.
The preventive suspension was recommended by the Provincial Legal Office (PLO) that recently released the findings of its preliminary investigation on the burglary.
PLO head, Atty. Alberto Nellas Jr., said the 60-day suspension, that took effect yesterday, aims to protect the PLO’s formal administrative investigation.
According to Nellas, Escarda admitted it was her decision to bring home the P6.4 million worth of cash and checks of the municipal government of Isabela despite being not authorized by Mayor Irene Montilla. The mayor assigned another person to deposit the funds to the bank.
Aside from suspension, Escarda also faces administrative charges of grave misconduct, serious dishonesty and malversation of public funds.
Lacson gave Escarda three days to answer and submit additional evidences or witnesses.
She was also advised to indicate if she would elect a formal investigation or the submission of a position paper.
The governor added failure to file an answer within the above stated period shall be considered a waiver to submit the same and the case would be decided based on available records.
On Jan. 21, Escarda reported to the Police Station 6 in Bacolod City that her house in Barangay Taculing here was burglarized.
She said robbers carted away P3.8 million in bank checks as well as cash amounting to P2.6 million./PN
