Negros tourism officer’s appeal denied, CSC next option

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY — The administrative case against Negros Occidental Provincial Tourism Officer Cheryl Decena has been deemed resolved following the denial of her motion for reconsideration (MR), according to Provincial Legal Officer Atty. Alberto Nellas Jr.

“Based on what was submitted, there was no new evidence presented to controvert the initial findings, so we denied the MR,” Nellas told reporters on Wednesday.

He clarified that the denial was issued within the prescribed period and added that the appropriate legal remedy now available to Decena and her co-respondents is to appeal the ruling before the Civil Service Commission (CSC).

Nellas emphasized that the appeal must be filed within 15 days from receipt of the denial. Failure to meet the deadline will render the decision final and executory.

As of press time, Decena confirmed she has already filed an appeal with the CSC.

In the meantime, all five respondents are required to serve the imposed six-month suspension without pay, which began in October 2025 and will conclude in April 2026.

Nellas also confirmed that the motions for reconsideration filed by the four other respondents were similarly denied, stating that “the findings against them were the same.”

Those suspended alongside Decena include 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 and Wildlife Sanctuary in Murcia.

The group was found administratively liable for slight neglect of duty due to alleged irregularities and delays in remitting cash advances. The lapses reportedly led to the mismanagement and loss of approximately PHP 3.5 million in 2023.

Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson earlier stated that due process was followed throughout the investigation and suspension proceedings.

“If they feel that way, they can use that in elevating it to the Civil Service Commission,” Lacson said, referring to the respondents’ right to appeal.