Bautista names LTFRB OIC

(UPDATE) TRANSPORTATION Secretary Jaime Bautista has appointed Mercy Jane Paras Leynes as officer in charge of the Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB), replacing Teofilo Guadiz 3rd, who was suspended as Board chairman by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday over allegations of corruption.

The memorandum and special order dated October 10 declared Leynes as the head of LTFRB from October 10 of this year until Oct. 9, 2024.

Leynes served as chief transportation regulatory officer at the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and then as a board member of the LTFRB.

The following officials were also appointed based on the approval of President Marcos: Jose Venturina Villacorta (Regional Director 3 — DoTr CAR); Tommy Mutia Macadindang (Regional Director 2); Abosamen Hassan Matuan (Regional Director 2); Joel Rempillo Defeo (Regional Director 2); Nonito Avila Llanos 3 (Regional Director 2); Zona Russet Makil Tamayo (Regional Director 2); Anabel Marzan Nullar (Regional Director 2); Mr. Loumar Palapal Bernabe (Regional Director 2); and Mr. Paterno Reynato Conlu Padua (Regional Director 2).

On Monday, Guadiz's former executive assistant Jeffrey Tumbado claimed that the LTFRB official is accepting grease money amounting to P5 million for modification of route, issuance of special permit and prioritization of franchise papers.

He said the first payment was made upon request, while the balance was given after the fulfillment of the request.

He emphasized that operators seeking modifications or expedited processes for routes in certain areas, particularly in provinces, were encouraged to seek out the officials involved.

The questionable transactions allegedly commenced in March, involving regular discussions regarding benefits tied to requested modifications and permits.

On Wednesday, Tumbado issued a statement recanting his claims.