Negros Occ tourism officer, 4 others suspended for 6 months

1 of 3

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY — Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose “Bong” Lacson said due process was observed in the six-month suspension without pay of Provincial Tourism Officer Cheryl Decena and four other employees assigned to the Mambukal Resort and Wildlife Sanctuary in Murcia.

“If they feel that way, they can use that in elevating it to the Civil Service Commission (CSC),” Lacson told reporters Thursday, referring to Decena’s claim of harassment.

Provincial Legal Officer Atty. Alberto Nellas Jr. confirmed Thursday that the suspension order took effect Tuesday and was received by the concerned individuals on the same day.

Nellas said Decena and the four others may file a motion for reconsideration with the CSC if they wish to contest the ruling.

He said the five were found administratively liable for slight neglect of duty in connection with alleged irregularities and delays in remitting cash advances, which reportedly led to the mismanagement and loss of PHP 3.5 million in 2023.

In addition to Decena, those suspended were identified as Mark Dela Cruz, storekeeper and disbursing officer; Ester Jane Ignacio and Alfredo Tolosa III, both disbursing officers; and April Love Wee, recreation and welfare services officer III at Mambukal Resort.

DECENA DENIES ALLEGATIONS

In a separate phone interview, Decena confirmed receiving the suspension order but maintained that her office had fully complied with all liquidation requirements.

“Honestly, I was still hoping they would keep their word that there will be no suspension,” she said.

She added, “My staff received the suspension order first, and I went to the office even though I was on leave just to formally accept it.”

Decena insisted that documentary evidence proves all transactions were properly accounted for.

“We submitted everything. Those were official accounting papers. I even gave the governor a summary with all the OR numbers and receipts,” she said.

“The liquidation was approved — you cannot tamper with the system,” she added.

Decena also said the Mambukal Resort posted an initial income of PHP 9 million during the period in question, contradicting claims of fund losses.

“These allegations were belied by documentary evidence which showed that liquidation was made within the deadline set,” she said.

She expressed concern for her suspended staff, stating, “If it were only me, I could probably take it quietly. But I have to speak up for my people.”

While emphasizing her respect for the governor and the provincial government, Decena appealed for fairness and transparency.

“I just hope things are based on papers. Fair is fair. I’m not a vocal person, but I feel I need to speak up now,” she said.

She added that her team will file a motion for reconsideration and hopes Governor Lacson will assign an impartial legal team to review the case.

Decena further alleged that there seems to be a pattern of harassment within the provincial government targeting long-serving employees.

“Some have either been forced to resign or slapped with unfair penalties,” she said.

The case stems from a 2023 audit and internal investigation into the handling of funds and cash advances at the Mambukal Resort and Wildlife Sanctuary, which operates under the Provincial Tourism Office.

The Commission on Audit earlier flagged delays in remittances and documentation, prompting the issuance of a show-cause order against Decena and her team.

While the group maintains that liquidation papers were duly submitted and approved by the Provincial Accounting Office, the Provincial Legal Office ruled that there were sufficient grounds to impose administrative sanctions.

Nellas also said directives have been issued to all provincial government officials, department heads and employees with pending cash advances to liquidate them by the deadline set on Nov. 31, 2025.

He added that this forms part of the province’s efforts toward good financial housekeeping.