Marcos suspends LTFRB chief Guadiz over alleged corruption

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. suspended LTFRB Chairman Teofilo Guadiz III after reports of alleged corruption.

He ordered Guadiz’s suspension on Monday, according to a statement released by the Presidential Communications Office.

“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,” the statement read.

Earlier, Jeffrey Tumbado, a former executive assistant of Guadiz, "exposed" the alleged corruption by the agency in a press conference held by transport group MANIBELA.

In protest against the alleged corruption, MANIBELA chair Mar Valbuena announced a nationwide transport strike starting on Monday, October 16. 

Meanwhile, in a separate statement on Monday, Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista said that there is an ongoing probe into the allegations against Guadiz. He said that the suspended LTFRB chief was already ordered to explain the allegations against him. 

“We [have] 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,” Bautista said.