LTFRB ‘whistle-blower’ recants, apologizes

MANILA, Philippines — The former Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board employee who bared corruption in the agency has recanted his claims two days after the suspension of Teofilo Guadiz III as LTFRB chairman.

Jeff Tumbado, former head executive assistant of Guadiz, yesterday said that the allegations he made during the Oct. 9 press conference were “all unintentional and misguided.”

Tumbado had claimed that Guadiz and some officials were being paid P5 million in exchange for the approval of franchises or securing routes and special permits.

“I still stand by the issue that there are indeed problems in the agency concerned that required immediate investigation by authorities concerned and those responsible be held accountable,” the affidavit read.

Tumbado said his claims were “borne out of impulse, irrational thinking, misjudgment and poor decision making,” and that his affidavit was a form of public apology to Guadiz, as well as the Department of Transportation and the Office of the President.

Meanwhile, Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista yesterday said he will file charges against individuals claiming he is involved in a bribery scheme within the Department of Transportation and the LTFRB.

“Allow me to categorically say that I never accepted any money or favor since assuming the post of transportation secretary,” Bautista said in a video message.

Bautista is also facing allegations of threatening Mar Valbuena, transport group Manibela’s national president.

Valbuena did not provide additional information on the complaint he filed before the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group at Camp Crame yesterday. – Elijah Felice Rosales