BY DOMINIQUE GABRIEL G. BAÑAGA
BACOLOD City – The Negros Occidental Provincial Legal Office (PLO) confirmed yesterday morning that the 60-day suspension of former Isabela municipal treasurer Nenette Escarda has already been lifted. She has returned to work at the Provincial Treasurer’s Office.
However, Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson had yet to make a decision on the PLO’s recommendations on Escarda, according to Atty. Alberto Nellas Jr., PLO head.
Nellas added they are ready to assist the municipal government of Isabela if they decide to take legal action against Escarda.
Escarda’s suspension stemmed from an incident on Jan. 21 this year when her house in Barangay Taculing, Bacolod City was burglarized.
The robbers carted away from the house P3.8 million in bank checks and P2.6 million in cash – all owned by the municipal government of Isabela.
It was later discovered that Isabela’s Mayor Irene Montilla had assigned another person, not Escarda, to transport the money to the bank for safekeeping.
Due to the incident, Escarda faces possible administrative charges for alleged grave misconduct, serious dishonesty, and malversation of public funds./PN
