Ex-MWSS chief tagged in Senate probe passes away

MANILA, Philippines - Former Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) officer-in-charge Macra Cruz died Friday afternoon after a two-year battle with colon cancer.

Information reaching the Department of Public Works and Highways showed that Cruz was already suffering from cancer when she faced the Senate investigation of the excessive salaries of top MWSS officials last year. The MWSS is an attached agency of the DPWH.

Cruz, who rose from the ranks, retired from MWSS last Jan. 6 at the age of 65. She is survived by her husband, retired DPWH district engineer Edwin Cruz, and their four children.

Her body lies at the Divine Savior Parish Church in North Fairview, Quezon City. Interment is set tomorrow after the 8 a.m. Mass at the Holy Cross Memorial Park in Novaliches, Quezon City.

Cruz admitted during the Senate investigation that MWSS’ senior officials and board members allegedly receive salaries and perks that reach millions of pesos.

Cruz, who was designated OIC of the MWSS by President Aquino, said her monthly salary since 2009 reached P98,000, not including P2.4 million she received in bonuses and incentives, as well as P490,577 in discretionary funds.

She said she also received P300,000 for medical expenses, which she used for cancer treatment in China. Senators noted Cruz alone earned a total of P4.372 million last year.