The recently uncovered payroll shaving scam involving personnel from the payroll division of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) appears to be just the tip of the iceberg.

Sources within the agency said the scam has allegedly been ongoing for the last seven years, with millions of pesos funneled directly into the accounts of those responsible.

The scheme reportedly went unnoticed until recently, when personnel were arrested and charged, with no less than MMDA Chairman Romando Artes acting as the complainant.

According to insiders, one of those arrested allegedly implicated another official from a different division in the agency.

“Sir, gud am, yung isang nakakulong dahil nagtransfer ng mga pera ng empleyado sa mga personal account nila ay kumanta na raw at ang sabi me kasabwat siya. Dapat hindi pagtakpan ang pangyayaring ito kasi milyon ang nakukuha nila mula sa loose change o barya sa payroll,” said the source.

Last week, the MMDA said it discovered an illegal salary deduction scheme being perpetrated by some personnel under its payroll division.

The agency said in a statement that the personnel found a way to manipulate the computerized payroll system, unlawfully deducted small amounts from the salaries of targeted employees, and diverted the funds to their own accounts.

MMDA General Manager Procopio Lipana led the arrest of employees believed to be involved in the scheme.

However, the MMDA did not disclose how many were arrested, nor did it identify the suspects or specify the charges filed against them. The total amount taken from the victims was also not revealed.

The agency further stated that ongoing investigations revealed “a deeper conspiracy … with the alleged involvement of other employees.”

Those suspected of involvement have been placed under preventive suspension, and their work computers have been secured.

The MMDA added that an internal audit and investigation are ongoing, and safety measures have been put in place to prevent similar incidents in the future.

"Rest assured that the MMDA will delve deeper into the matter and make sure that all those responsible will be prosecuted and punished accordingly, the agency said.