Former Isabela governor Grace Padaca lost about P150,000 in cash to her trusted helper, the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) reported yesterday.
QCPD operatives arrested Tuesday morning James Alba, 27, in his friend’s house at Kingspoint Subdivision, Barangay Bagbag, where he hid after admitting that he stole money from Padaca.
Police said Alba, of Dalupang St, Cauayan City, Isabela, was Padaca’s trusted aid and a stay-in helper at the former governor’s residence in Casa Mulan Subdivision, Barangay Greater Lagro.
PO3 Julius Raz, investigator, said Alba, whom Padaca calls “Jaimie,” withdrew money through her ATM card.
They discovered the theft on Sunday noon when Padaca noticed that her $100 bill was missing from her bag.
Along with her nephew John Bernard, Padaca confronted Alba who admitted to stealing the money. He returned the dollar bill to his employer.
After his confession, Alba reportedly went into hiding the next day.
This prompted John Bernard to check his room where he found several withdrawal receipts dated November 2 until Monday amounting to about R143,000. (Vanne Elaine Terrazola)