An administrative case against Negros Occidental Provincial Tourism Officer Cheryl Decena and three cashiers has been dismissed for lack of substantial evidence, Provincial Legal Officer Alberto Nellas Jr. said Monday, August 12.
The Provincial Legal Office investigation report also cleared cashiers Jaqueline dela Gente, Roxanne Gajo and Ron Importante of the Provincial Treasurer’s Office.
There is no substantial evidence warranting the issuance of formal charges against the respondents, the report approved by Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson said.
However, Decena and the cashiers were strongly admonished and sternly warned that a repetition of a similar offense will warrant the imposition of a more severe penalty.
Questioned in the administrative case were alleged discrepancies in the signatures of 13 persons who received honorariums from the provincial government for their performances during the 2024 Panaad sa Negros Festival.
“Based on the facts presented, the respondents sufficiently addressed the orders concerning the alleged discrepancies in the payee signatures in two payrolls by providing explanations and notarized certifications from the payees,” the report said.
The documents present proof that the honorariums were personally received and that the signatures were authentic, negating any suspicion of forgery, it added.
However, “despite their satisfactory resolution of the specific discrepancies, it is imperative to uphold the principles set forth in Republic Act 6713 (Code of conduct and ethical standards for public officials and employees)”, it added.
RA 6713 emphasizes the need for a high standard of ethics in public service, mandating that public officials exhibit the utmost integrity, responsibility, and accountability, the report said.
“To reinforce these standards and to ensure that such incidents do not recur, the respondents’ actions are strongly reprimanded. This reprimand serves as a reminder of the critical importance of vigilance and accuracy in all aspects of public service, reinforcing the expectation that all government employees must adhere to the highest ethical standards in their duties,” it added.*