Couple divert P170 M in Metrowalk rent

A couple allegedly embezzled P170 million from a firm that rents out space in the 18-hectare Metrowalk in Pasig City, the company’s lawyer said yesterday.

Bonifacio Alentajan, representing Optimus Property Holdings Corp., said their allegation is borne out by a “sudden change” in the lifestyle of Chito Mañalac and his wife, Ma. Theresa.

Mañalac founded Optimus Property Holdings two years ago, while his wife was the company treasurer.

Alentajan said the Mañalacs recently bought condominium units and 15 luxury vehicles, but barely had enough money to pay their children’s tuition a few years ago.

Pasig policemen arrested Ma. Theresa last Thursday by virtue of an arrest warrant issued by Pasig City regional trial court Judge Amelia Manalastas.

Ma. Theresa was at a meat shop along Meralco Avenue, across the Alexandria Condominium where she and her husband have a unit.

Mañalac allegedly went into hiding after getting wind of his wife’s arrest.

He claimed they are being harassed by a group closely identified with a Northern Luzon politician who wants him out of Metrowalk’s day-to-day operations.

“I’m willing to answer all their allegations in court,” Mañalac said. “As far as I know, I did not do anything wrong.”

Alentajan alleged that after founding Optimus Property Holdings, which runs Metrowalk, Mañalac appointed himself as the firm’s rent collector without due notice to the firm’s other officials.

Alentajan said the tenants regularly paid their rent, but Mañalac did not remit the collections for two years.

Should the tenants issue checks, Ma. Theresa – as the company treasurer – would deposit the check and withdraw the money after the check is cleared, according to Alentajan.

The results of an investigation conducted by Optimus’ other officials were discussed in a meeting, during which Ma. Theresa was fired from her position last April 4.

Alentajan claimed that Ma. Theresa then withdrew P7.3 million from the firm’s bank account. On the same day, auditors found that the Mañalacs allegedly funneled P170 million of Metrowalk’s income into their personal accounts.

Alentajan said they are preparing to charge Ma. Theresa with another count of qualified theft, this time including her husband.