Former LTO chief faces raps amid corruption allegations

Former Land Transportation Office (LTO) chief and current Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board chairman, Teofilo Guadiz III, is on the hot seat now as he was ordered by Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Jaime Bautista, to explain himself amid allegations of corruption and other irregularities that propped up within the agency.

According to the DOTr, a Notice to Explain (NTE) was served to Guadiz early on Monday, October 9, 2023, along with an investigation on accusations of misconduct regarding the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP).

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“We 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,” said Bautista.

Secretary Bautista maintained that the DOTr does not condone corruption within the agency and its line agencies to ensure honest governance among its ranks.

“We do not tolerate any form of corruption in the DOTr and will not hesitate to impose the stiffest sanction if the evidence so warrants,” said Bautista.

LTFRB franchises for sale

Just recently, Guadiz’s former executive assistant, Jeffrey Tumbado, raised allegations of rampant corruption within the LTFRB, particularly with the permits and franchises. According to Tumbado, routes, permits, and franchises were being sold by corrupt officials for up to PHP 5 million. The alleged corruption, claims Tumbado, has reached as far as the Presidential Palace.

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Tumbado, to substantiate his allegations, has provided screenshots of conversations, as well as audio recordings of alleged communications between Guadiz and transport operators/groups. Tumbado also revealed that he plans to file graft and related charges against these erring government officials.

PBBM suspends Guadiz

Also on Monday, October 9, 2023, President, Ferdinand “Bong Bong” Marcos, Jr., has ordered the immediate suspension of Guadiz amid reports of corruption in the LTFRB.

In a statement published by the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), it said that the President does not tolerate any misconduct under his administration.

“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.”