The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has discovered a “salary shaving and padding scheme” perpetrated by some of its personnel in the payroll division.

MMDA chairperson Don Artes said all those involved were already arrested and the computers they have been using were also confiscated as part of the ongoing investigation into the illegal money-making scheme.

Sources said at least two people were initially collared by a team led by MMDA General Manager Procopio Lipana.

Artes said he himself acted as the complainant after the discovery of the modus last week involving MMDA employees assigned to the Payroll Division.

Based on the initial result of the investigation, Artes said the involved MMDA personnel appeared to have manipulated the computerized payroll system and took small amounts from the salaries of targeted employees.

The small amounts taken from targeted employees was aimed at ensuring that the illegal activities would not be noticed.

The stolen small amounts taken from the salaries of the targeted employees were then added to the accounts of the erring MMDA personnel.

“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,” said Artes.

“They were also placed under preventive suspension and their work computers were also secured,” he added.

Artes said the ongoing investigation exposed what appears to be a “deeper conspiracy” with the alleged involvement of other employees.

He said an internal audit and investigation is currently ongoing, and safety measures are already implemented to prevent an unfortunate incident like this from happening again.

“Rest assured that the MMDA will delve deeper into the matter and will make sure that all responsible will be prosecuted and punished accordingly,” said Artes.