Marcos suspends LTFRB chief over corruption allegations

MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos has suspended Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Chairman Teofilo Guadiz III following allegations that huge sums have to be paid to process transactions in his office.

“President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has ordered the suspension of Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board chairman Teofilo Guadiz III amid reports of alleged corruption under his leadership,” the Presidential Communications Office said in a statement issued yesterday.

“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 office added.

This developed as a former LTFRB official yesterday bared corruption in the agency, saying at least P5 million is paid in exchange for the approval of franchise or securing routes and special permits.

At a press conference, Jeffrey Gallos Tumbado, former head executive assistant (HEA) of Guadiz, said that the corruption could reach Malacañang.

“If you are an operator and you want to secure a route, especially in the provinces, if you want to ensure the immediate approval, you will look for me and (pay) P5 million for special permit, substitution, board resolution, franchise,” Tumbado said.

He added that as Guadiz’s HEA, operators talked to him.

“The money also reached the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and Malacañang, then even the LTFRB regional directors have their monthly quota of P2 million,” Tumbado said.

He added that he has screenshots and recordings to prove his allegations.

“I don’t believe it only benefits (Guadiz); there was instruction from the higher ups. They even called me a bagman, I want to correct that, I only act as conduit,” Tumbado said.

“I have evidence that it reached Malacañang. I have first hand conversation since I am an HEA, we discuss everything,” he added.

Tumbado did not directly say if he benefited from the corruption.

“I cannot confirm nor deny,” he said.

Tumbado was appointed as HEA last February and resigned last Sept. 15.

He said he started as head of the LTFRB Communications Office in October last year