MMDA personnel face complaints over payroll anomaly

Metro Manila, Philippines – A number of employees of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) are facing complaints over alleged tampering of payroll and pocketing small amounts.

In a statement, the MMDA said the scheme was discovered last week, and complaints have been filed by MMDA Chairman Don Artes.

MMDA General Manager Procopio Lipana led the arrest of the implicated personnel, who have undergone inquest proceedings.

The MMDA said “as further investigations are being conducted, a deeper conspiracy was exposed, with the alleged involvement of other employees,” adding that the complaints would seek non-bailable charges.

The personnel have been placed under preventive suspension, and their work computers have been secured as evidence.

The MMDA did not disclose the number of employees and the amount carted off.

The agency assured the public that an internal audit is underway, with safety measures in place to prevent similar incidents from happening again.