Former Las Piñas-Muntinlupa district engineer Isabelo Baleros was arrested in his office at the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Port Area, Manila for multiple counts of estafa, Las Piñas Rep. Mark Anthony Santos said yesterday.
According to Santos’ office, Judge Tammy Ann Reyes Mendillo of the Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 22 issued a warrant for Baleros’ arrest on Sept. 30 for violations of Article 315 of the Revised Penal Code.
Bail for Baleros’ temporary liberty was set at P48,000.
Police officers, who briefed Santos on the case, said Baleros’ co-accused – Ferdinand Villar, Dennis Aguilar and Tony Espi – remain at large.
According to Santos’ office, they are investigating whether Ferdinand Villar is related to former senators Manny and Cynthia Villar and are verifying if Dennis Aguilar is a former Las Piñas councilor.
‘This is the tip of the iceberg. If DPWH really wants to prove it is serious about reforms, they must not only fire but also jail these officials. The P450 million stolen from Las Piñas is not just a number – it’s the people’s hard-earned money. We will not let this go unanswered,’ Santos said in a statement.
DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon earlier issued a show-cause order against Baleros and nine other engineers over allegations of lavish lifestyles and involvement in substandard projects.
The officials were given five days to submit their explanations.