PLO wraps up probe vs ex-Isabela treasurer

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD City – Negros Occidental Provincial Legal Officer Alberto Nellas said his office has finished the investigation on former Isabela town treasurer Nenette Escarda.

Escarda is facing administrative charges for grave misconduct, serious dishonesty, and malversation of public funds.

The charges were filed against Escarda after she reportedly brought home funds from the town’s treasury amounting to P2.6 million in cash and P3.8 million in checks without authority from the chief executive.

She alleged that the cash and checks were stolen from her house.

A later cash examination conducted by the Commission on Audit on January 31, 2023 found that P6,629,146.18 in collections remained undeposited as of January 20, 2023 and P972,000 in cash advances remained unliquidated as of the cut-off date under her watch, Nellas said.

Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson is expected to come out with the decision soon.

Nellas said that their investigation report will be submitted to the governor for his signature.

Escarda decided to submit a position paper instead of undergoing a formal investigation.

Escarda is presently under a 60-day preventive suspension pending the outcome of the investigation.