Marikina city hall employees arrested over permit-related complaint
By Hannah Nicol
Handcuffs (File photo)
Two city hall employees in Marikina were arrested for allegedly collecting unauthorized fees related to permit processing, the city government said.
The operation was conducted by the local government in coordination with the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Barangay Fortune on Monday, April 27.
In a statement, the city government said the suspects, both administrative aides, were apprehended while inside a government-issued vehicle and are now under police custody.
The operation stemmed from a complaint filed by a businessman over alleged unauthorized collection linked to permit processing.
Police said marked money was recovered during the operation.
The local government said it immediately coordinated with the PNP to act on the complaint and carry out an entrapment operation.
Mayor Maann Teodoro emphasized that erring personnel will be held accountable.
“Malinaw ang paninindigan natin: walang kakilala, walang palakasan. Sisiguraduhin ko na sinumang empleyado na lalabag ay haharap sa kaso, matatanggal sa serbisyo at pananagutin sa batas (Our position is clear: there are no special favors and no preferential treatment. I will ensure that any employee who violates the rules will face charges, be dismissed from service, and be held accountable under the law),” she said.
The city government reiterated its policy against abuse of authority and said appropriate action will be taken against those involved.
As of this writing, the local government has yet to release a statement on the specific charges that will be filed against the suspects.