LTFRB corruption whistleblower to consult lawyer if he will show up in NBI probe

FILE PHOTO: DOJ logo. INQUIRER FILES

MANILA, Philippines — The supposed whistleblower on the anomalies within the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Friday said that he would first consult his lawyer if he will appear before the Department of Justice (DOJ) in an investigation.

Former LTFRB executive assistant Jefferson Tumbado made the pronouncement after Justice Assistant Secretary and DOJ Spokesperson Jose Dominic Clavano offered him to reach out to the National Bureau of Investigation if he is willing to appear before the agency’s investigation on the alleged anomalies within the LTFRB.

“Konsulta ko muna sa abogado ko, malalaman natin (I’ll consult my lawyer first, then we’ll know),” Tumbado told INQUIRER.net.

The DOJ earlier confirmed that a subpoena was issued against Tumbado, but failed to be delivered due to the wrong address in his affidavit.

READ:NBI asked to conduct independent probe on alleged corruption in LTFRB

However, Tumbado told INQUIRER.net that what was in his affidavit was the correct address, but the subpoena was not accepted because his landlord did not know his real name.

He said the subpoena was addressed to his complete name “Jefferson Gallos Tumbado” but the contract with his landlord states “Jeff Tumbado.”

READ: Suspension of PUV modernization sought amid LTFRB corruption issue

He even claimed that another subpoena was already sent to his house in his province and was successfully served Friday afternoon.

All this developed after Tumbado last Monday exposed corruption within the LTFRB involving route modifications, prioritization of franchise papers, and special permits.

But he recanted such allegations just days later, claiming that his previous allegations were “unintentional” and “misguided.”

Despite this, Tumbado in his affidavit insisted that anomalies exist within the LTFRB and should be investigated.

JPV