MMDA suspends payroll staff accused of siphoning off colleagues’ salaries

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'These unscrupulous personnel manipulated the computerized payroll system, skimming small amounts from targeted employees and rerouting the money to their own accounts,' the MMDA says

MANILA, Philippines – The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) suspended payroll division employees accused of siphoning off portions of their colleagues’ salaries into their own accounts.

“These unscrupulous personnel manipulated the computerized payroll system, skimming small amounts from targeted employees and rerouting the money to their own accounts,” the MMDA said in a statement on Wednesday, April 2.

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

Since uncovering the scheme last week, MMDA chairman Don Artes has filed a complaint before the Pasig City police against the employees involved.

Aside from the employees who are subject of the initial complaint, authorities said more employees are involved in what they describe as a “deeper conspiracy.”

Formal complaints are being finalized against them, with a case being built for non-bailable charges. These suspected employees were also placed under preventive suspension and their work computers were also secured.

Meanwhile, an internal audit is underway, and additional safeguards have been put in place to prevent similar incidents, the MMDA said.

However, the agency has not yet disclosed key details, such as the number of employees involved or the total amount embezzled. – Rappler.com