The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) arrested several employees from the agency's Payroll Division for alleged involvement in an illegal "salary deduction scheme."
In a statement, the MMDA revealed that the arrested employees were taking portions of their fellow workers' salaries and transferring them into their own accounts.
"These unscrupulous personnel found a way to manipulate the computerized payroll system, unlawfully took small amounts from the salaries of targeted employees, and diverted those amounts to their own accounts," MMDA stated.
With this, MMDA Chairman Don Artes filed the complaint, which resulted in the arrest of an undisclosed number of employees.
Furthermore, MMDA General Manager Procopio Lipana oversaw the arrest of those allegedly involved, and inquest proceedings were conducted against them.
The agency further stated that as investigations continue, a deeper conspiracy has been uncovered, revealing the alleged involvement of additional 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," the MMDA added.
The employees involved have been placed under preventive suspension, and their work computers have been confiscated for further investigation.
"Rest assured that the MMDA will delve deeper into the matter and will make sure that all responsible will be prosecuted and punished accordingly," the MMDA said in closing.
