File photo shows a “modern” jeepney in Barangay Barangka Ilaya, Mandaluyong City, on June 26, 2020. (NIÑO JESUS ORBETA / INQUIRER)
MANILA, Philippines — Senator Grace Poe on Tuesday asked the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to suspend the implementation of the Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) modernization program following the alleged corrupt practices in the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).
“In light of the alleged corruption in the LTFRB, we call on the Department of Transportation to suspend the implementation of the PUV Modernization Program (PUMP) until all issues hounding it are resolved,” Poe said in a statement.
Poe’s statement was issued after LTFRB chairman Teofilo Guadiz III’s former head executive assistant on Monday claimed that there is a “lagayan” or bribery scheme in acquiring franchises for PUVs and other transactions.
“Hindi na nga makausad nang maayos ang PUV [modernization program] dahil sa iba’t ibang isyu, nabahiran pa ng korapsyon,” lamented Poe who also sits as the chairperson of the Senate committee on public services.
(The PUV modernization program can’t move forward because of various issues, and now it is even tainted by corruption.)
According to Poe, if the allegations are true, it is not fair to Filipino drivers who lost their livelihoods because the LTFRB is supposedly favoring those who are involved in the scheme.
“Erring officials must be held accountable for bungling a very critical program of the transport sector,” she stressed, adding that she hopes that those involved in the alleged corruption are being investigated.
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Monday evening suspended Guadiz amid corruption allegations.