By Raymond Carl Dela Cruz
MANILA – The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) announced on Wednesday the arrest of some of its employees involved in payroll theft through the manipulation of the agency’s computerized payroll system.
In a statement, the MMDA said the scheme was perpetrated by personnel under its Payroll Division who illegally took small amounts from the salaries of target employees and diverted those amounts to their accounts.
“Immediately upon its discovery, a complaint was filed with no less than MMDA Chair Romando Artes as complainant,” it said.
MMDA General Manager Procopio Lipana has since led the arrest of employees involved in the scheme, and inquest proceedings were conducted.
As part of the investigation, it noted that a “deeper conspiracy was exposed” with the alleged involvement of more employees.
“Formal complaints against these employees are being prepared, and a strong case build-up is being done for the filing of non-bailable charges against the perpetrators. They were also placed under preventive suspension and their work computers were also secured,” it said.
In addition, the MMDA started an internal audit and investigation and placed safety measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
“Rest assured that the MMDA will delve deeper into the matter and will make sure that all responsible will be prosecuted and punished accordingly,” it said.
The MMDA has yet to release the names of the suspects, and the investigation into the matter is ongoing. (PNA)
