On Monday, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) announced that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered the suspension of Teofilo Guadiz III, Chairman of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), following allegations of corruption during his tenure.
According to the PCO statement, Marcos initiated the investigation as he has a zero-tolerance policy towards misconduct within his administration and strongly condemns any dishonesty or duplicity in public service.
The suspension was prompted by disclosures made by Jeffrey Tumbado, a former executive assistant to Guadiz, who revealed that public utility vehicle operators had allegedly paid transport officials up to ₱5 million in exchange for routes, franchises, special permits, and other favors.
Tumbado implicated not only Guadiz but also officials from the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and Malacañang, as being involved in the corruption scheme.
In response to these allegations, Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista confirmed that his agency has initiated an investigation into the claims of corruption.
Source: PhilNews24 | October 10, 2023
