LTFRB chairman suspended for alleged corruption

0
408
  • President Ferdinand Marcos , Jr. ordered the suspension of Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board Chairman Teofilo Guadiz III amid reports of alleged corruption
  • Jeffrey Tumbado, a former executive assistant of Guadiz, claimed corruption in LTFRB, which he said also involved other officials in the Department of Transportation and Malacañang
  • Transport Secretary Jaime Bautista said an investigation has been launched regarding the allegations

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered the suspension of Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Chairman Teofilo Guadiz III amid reports of alleged corruption under his leadership.

“The President does not tolerate any misconduct in his administration and has instructed the immediate investigation of this matter. He strongly condemns dishonesty and duplicity in public service,” Malacañang said in a statement on October 9.

During a press conference by transport group Manibela, Jeffrey Tumbado, a former executive assistant of Guadiz, claimed corruption in the LTFRB in relation to the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program, which he said also involved other officials in the Department of Transportation and Malacañang.

“We already launched an investigation on the allegations against the LTFRB. 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,” Transport Secretary Jaime Bautista said in a separate statement.

The transport chief maintained the DOTr does not condone corruption within the department and its line agencies to ensure honest governance among its ranks.

He added the transport agency will continue to clamp down on erring officials taking advantage of their posts.

“We do not tolerate any form of corruption in the DOTr and will not hesitate to impose the stiffest sanction if the evidence so warrants,” he said.

Marcos in December 2022 appointed Guadiz as chairperson of LTFRB.

Prior to his appointment, Guadiz was appointed Land Transportation Office chief in July 2022 until he was replaced in November 2022. He was then named assistant secretary for the road sector under the Department of Transportation.

He was also a former director at the then Department of Transportation and Communications and Regional Director of LTO-National Capital Region and LTO-Region 1 (Ilocos Region).