Pampanga San Simon Municipal Hall Engineer Arrested for Allegedly Demanding 50,000 Pesos in Exchange for Documents

Pampanga San Simon Municipal Hall Engineer Arrested for Allegedly Demanding 50,000 Pesos in Exchange for Documents

📌 On the afternoon of Wednesday, November 4, the municipal engineer of San Simon Municipal Hall in Pampanga was arrested in an entrapment operation by the police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) on suspicion of demanding an additional 50,000 pesos from a resident in exchange for releasing permit documents for a warehouse project. The allegations are based on the CIDG's announcement and have not been established in court.

■ How It Happened
· The resident reportedly applied for a building permit and 2 Certificates of Non-Coverage (CNC) for a warehouse and apartment project, and had already paid 80,000 pesos under a "package" arrangement.
· According to the CIDG, the engineer demanded an additional 50,000 pesos in total, at 25,000 pesos per CNC. The CIDG said the regular CNC processing fee is 1,240 pesos.
· After receiving the resident's complaint, the CIDG Regional Field Unit 3 and the Pampanga field unit, together with the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) Regional Office 3 and others, arrested the engineer at around 3:45 p.m. on the 4th at the Engineering Office in the municipal hall, at the moment he received the money (BusinessMirror).

■ Investigation and Current Status
· The CIDG filed charges for violation of the Ease of Doing Business Act (RA 11032) and robbery/extortion under the Revised Penal Code (in relation to the Cybercrime Prevention Act), and according to BusinessMirror, inquest proceedings are under way.
· CIDG Regional Field Unit 3 chief Colonel Grant Gollod told CLTV36 that he expects more complaints from other victims to come forward.
· The San Simon municipal government confirmed the operation and said it will not tolerate the use of public office for personal gain, while also stating that it will respect due process and the presumption of innocence.

■ Notice for Residents and Travelers
· Verify permit fees at government offices against the officially posted amounts and official receipts, and do not comply with additional demands that come without a receipt.
· Authorities urged anyone who receives a similar demand to report it to the CIDG or ARTA.

■ Sources
CLTV36 (11/5), CLTV36 News (official Facebook, 11/5), GMA News (11/5), BusinessMirror (11/5), Daily Tribune (11/5)

■ Photos
· 1. CIDG entrapment operation scene, municipal hall office (face blurred) — CLTV36
· 2. Investigators checking the money and documents on the desk — Daily Tribune
· 3. Video still of the office during the entrapment operation — GMA News