LTFRB chief’s ex-aide charged for corruption

MANILA, Philippines — A former aide of Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) chairman Martin Delgra was charged for allegedly demanding money in exchange for issuing franchises.

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) filed charges of grave misconduct, violating the prohibition on receiving gifts under the anti-graft law and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service on April 2 against Manolo Labor, who resigned last month as Delgra’s former chief of staff.

Labor is accused of soliciting P385,000 in exchange for the issuance of a certificate of public convenience (CPC).  He was directed to submit a verified answer within three days upon receipt of the formal charge.

Labor’s case comes after LTFRB executive director Samuel Jardin was meted a 90-day suspension over an alleged P4.8-million franchise deal. 

Formal charges were filed against Jardin for grave misconduct, receiving gifts and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of service after he allegedly solicited P4.8 million to facilitate and grant an application for a CPC.

Jardin was named by President Rodrigo Duterte as LTFRB executive director in March 2018.