MMDA staff in alleged scheme victimizing jaywalkers surrenders

MAKATI, Philippines — One of the reported perpetrators of an alleged corruption scheme in the Anti-Jaywalking Unit of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has already surrendered to authorities.

MMDA General Manager Jojo Garcia revealed that Jonathan Natividad, Operations for Administration staff, “surfaced” at the MMDA office on Thursday.

“Nagpunta kanina sa office, kinausap ng mga abogado natin, at pinadala ko na rin sa NBI, iimbestigahan siya kasi jurisdiction na ng NBI ‘yun,” Garcia said in a press conference.

On Wednesday, MMDA suspended the operations of its Anti-Jaywalking Unit after it uncovered an anomalous scheme perpetrated by its personnel.

According to Garcia, three anti-jaywalking personnel were discovered using fake receipts to dupe pedestrians settling their violation.

READ: MMDA halts operations of own anti-jaywalking unit for ‘duping’ violators 

Aside from Natividad, MMDA also identified Joanna Eclarinal, the unit’s deputy chief for administration, and Frederick Arucan, the unit’s property custodian, as the persons involved in the alleged fraudulent scheme.

Eclarinal has been placed under the custody of the Makati Police Station while Arucan remains at-large.

“Ang hinahanap natin ay ‘yung isa na lang,” noted Garcia, referring to Arucan.

Garcia said Natividad admitted having knowledge of the anomaly.

“Alam niya, definitely [‘yung scheme]. May mga sinabi siya na nginuso niya ‘yung dalawang suspect pero ‘yung detalye, sa NBI na lang,” he said. 

The MMDA official said Natividad was prompted by his brother, who was a police officer, to surrender to authorities and clear his name. /kga