The NBi headquarters in Manila. (Photo from Facebook)
MANILA, Philippines — Whistleblower Jefferson Tumbado, a former executive assistant at the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), was a no-show at the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Monday to shed light on his allegations of corruption at the agency.
Justice Undersecretary Brigido Dulay told reporters that Tumbado sought permission not to appear at the NBI as required by the subpoena.
“What I heard was that the reason Tumbado was not able to appear today was because he had a toothache and needed to see a dentist,” Dulay said in Filipino.
Dulay added that Tumbado’s counsel had also withdrawn.
“The lawyer has a right to withdraw as counsel at any time. At the same time, it is also the right of Mr. Tumbado to get counsel of his own choice,” he said.
Tumbado was summoned by the NBI to shed light on his allegations of anomalies at the LTFRB. He initially accused now suspended LTFRB chairman Teofilo Guadiz and DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista of involvement.
However, he eventually recanted his allegations and apologized to Guadiz and Bautista although he still maintained that the anomalies did exist.
Dulay said Tumbado would still have a chance to appear at the NBI. He said Tumbado’s statement would be necessary to determine the direction of the investigation.
Meanwhile, Tumbado issued a statement saying in Filipino: “My commitment to assist the NBI in their investigation remains. I was not able to respond to the NBI’s summons earlier because I was looking for a new legal counsel who would guide me in facing this issue after Atty. Pearl Campanilla resigned because only she can provide answers.”