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Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board board member Atty. Mercy Jane Paras-Leynes has been designated as officer-in-charge of the agency
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Leynes’ designation as LTFRB OIC is from October 10 to October 9, 2024
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Her appointment comes after President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. on October 9 ordered the suspension of Teofilo Guadiz III amid reports of alleged corruption
Transport Secretary Jaime Bautista has appointed Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) board member Atty. Mercy Jane Paras-Leynes as officer-in-charge of the agency.
The development follows suspension of Teofilo Guadiz III, who faces allegations of corruption.
READ: LTFRB chairman suspended for alleged corruption
In Department of Transportation (DOTr) Special Order No. 2023-353 dated October 10, Bautista designated Leynes OIC chairperson from October 10 to October 9, 2024.
Leynes has been one of the board members of LTFRB since July 2022 and previously served as chief transportation regulation officer at the Land Transportation Office (LTO).
LTFRB and LTO are attached agencies of the DOTr.
Leynes’ designation comes after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on October 9 ordered the suspension of Guadiz III amid reports of alleged corruption.
During a press conference by transport group Manibela, Jeffrey Tumbado, a former executive assistant of Guadiz, alleged corruption within the LTFRB, particularly in connection with the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program. Tumbado suggested other officials within the Department of Transportation and Malacañang might also be involved.
In response to the allegations, Bautista issued a statement confirming that an investigation is underway.
He stated, “While we are already evaluating the alleged irregularities involving [Chairman Guadiz], we also issued a notice to explain against Guadiz for him to shed light on the allegations.”
Guadiz was appointed chairman of the LTFRB by Marcos in December 2022.
