The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has reinstated Teofilo Guadiz III as chairman of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) after involvement in a corruption controversy.
In a special order signed by Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista dated November 3, it was said that Guadiz will be back in service on Monday, November 6, according to a report by Luisito Santos on Super Radyo dzBB on Sunday.
“In the exigency and best interest of service, Assistant Secretary Teofilo Guadiz III is hereby reinstated as the Chairperson of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), effective 06 November 2023,” the order read.
In October, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. suspended Guadiz amid allegations of corruption under his leadership.
Guadiz was embroiled in a controversy after his former executive assistant, Jeff Tumbado, alleged that Guadiz delivered corruption money to Bautista.
Tumbado also claimed that bribe money from operators can go as high as P5 million to secure a route, franchise, special permits or board resolutions.
Both the DOTr officials denied the allegations.
A few weeks after, Tumbado recanted his allegations of corruption against Guadiz and Bautista.
According to Tumbado, he issued the statement as a form of apology.
LTFRB board member Mercy Paras Leynes was designated as LTFRB officer-in-charge following Guadiz’ suspension.
The November 3 special order repealed Leynes’ designation as OIC also effective Monday. —Giselle Ombay/KG, GMA Integrated News
