Teofilo Guadiz, chairman of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), speaks during the press conference on fuel subsidies and petitions for rate increases for public utility vehicles (PUV). The forum was held at the LTFRB central office in Quezon City. (File photo by Noy Morcoso/INQUIRER.net)
MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Monday directed Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Chairman Teofilo Guadiz to explain the irregularities and corruption allegations plaguing his agency.
Transport Minister Jaime Bautista said his office had begun investigating the allegations and had sent Guadiz a notice to respond to the allegations.
The head of the LTFRB was accused of misconduct regarding the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP).
“We have already initiated an investigation into the allegations against the LTFRB,” Bautista said in a statement.
“While we are already evaluating the alleged irregularities involving Chairman Guadiz, we have also issued a notice to explain Guadiz so that he can shed light on the allegations,” he added.
When asked for his response, Guadiz said his office is open to helping the government resolve the problems.
“Kagaya nga po nang dati na nating ginagawa, patuloy po nating aayusin at titiyakin na mananatili tayong patas sa paglilingkod sa ating mga stakeholder,” he said at a press conference also held on Monday.
(As we have always done, we will continue to get our act together and ensure we continue to serve our stakeholders fairly.)
“As of this morning, nasa opisina naman ako at wala pa po akong nalalaman na anumang opisyal na (complaint na) inihain laban po sa atin,” he said.
(I just got to the office and I have not received or heard anything about any complaint filed against me.)
“Pero kung mayroon man, haharapin naman po natin ito dahil malinis po ang ating kalooban,” he added.
(But if there is, we will face it because our character is pure.)
In a separate media briefing by Manibela transportation group, former LTFRB executive assistant Jeffrey Tumbado exposed Guadiz’s reported plans on an alleged “lagayan (bribery) scheme.”
Tumbado was Guadiz’s executive assistant and he resigned last month.
The former LTFRB official alleged that among the reported “under the table” transactions done within the agency involved changing routes, priority order for franchise papers and issuance of special permits.
Tumbado said each reported illegal transaction cost about P5 million, reportedly paid in two installments.
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