Suspended LTFRB chief denies corruption allegations

MANILA, Philippines — Suspended Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board chairman Teofilo Guadiz III yesterday broke his silence over allegations of corruption in the LTFRB, maintaining innocence in the accusations hurled by his former head executive assistant (HEA).

“I was really surprised as this (allegation of corruption) came from a person I trusted, my HEA, as there is no truth to this. It took time for me to absorb the issue and how will I handle the accusation against me,” Guadiz said.

He was referring to Jeffrey Gallos Tumbado, who claimed that at least P5 million is paid in exchange for approval of franchises, securing routes and special permits, and that the corruption could reach Malacañang.

Tumbado, however, recanted his statement on the supposed corruption a day later. Guadiz said he already talked with Tumbado and the latter reportedly said he made the accusation after he was removed from his post as HEA and transferred to another office.

“As of now, I am still weighing my options, but since he already executed an affidavit of recantation, if God can forgive, I can also forgive,” Guadiz said, adding that the allegation has affected his family. “The morale of my family is low. After 23 years of working in the government, it is the first time I experienced this.”

“It really saddened me, but I respect the decision of the President. If the President still trusts me, I will get the position again,” he also said.

If he will not be reappointed to the LTFRB, Guadiz said he would manage his family’s hog and fishpond business in Pangasinan.

Meanwhile, Tumbado yesterday failed to appear before the National Bureau of Investigation, which has issued three subpoenas for attendance and testimony on his allegations of corruption within the LTFRB.

According to Department of Justice Undersecretary Brigido Dulay, Tumbado has requested for more time to look for a new lawyer after his counsel resigned.

“For now, he still has not responded to the subpoena the NBI issued,” Dulay told reporters in an interview, adding that Tumbado expressed willingness to cooperate in the investigation.

With the non-appearance, Dulay said the NBI investigation would remain pending.

“We need to wait for his statement because that is the root of the controversy. His statement will be the basis on how we will proceed with the investigation, if we will broaden it or we will end it,” he said.

Tumbado earlier recanted his claims of corruption, saying they were “all unintentional and misguided” and “borne out of impulse, irrational thinking, misjudgment, poor decision making.” — Mark Ernest Villeza, Daphne Galvez