Whistleblower submits statement recanting fraud raps vs LTFRB’s Guadiz

Suspended LTFRB chairman Teofilo Guadiz (File picture)

MANILA, Philippines — Supposed whistleblower Jeff Tumbado has submitted his sworn statement to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Thursday.

In the document, he explained why he recanted his previous corruption allegations against suspended Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) chairman Teofilo Guadiz.

Tumbado was a former LTFRB executive assistant to Guadiz.

Previously, he had exposed alleged corruption within LTFRB involving route modifications, prioritization of franchise papers, and special permits.

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

Tumbado was then summoned by Department of Justice (DOJ) to appear before NBI, which is currently investigating his allegations.

In his sworn statement submitted Thursday, Tumbado said the root of his allegations was the alleged mistreatment he received from Guadiz and one of his staff.

He recounted he left his post due to the alleged mistreatment.

However, his frustration worsened upon learning that Guadiz was reportedly spreading a false narrative that he (Tumbado) had been removed from his post for allegedly requesting money.

“Duon ko na naisip na gumawa ng paraan upang balikan si Chairman Guadiz,” said Tumbado in his sworn statement.

(It was there that I thought of making a way to get back at Chairman Guadiz.)

“Sumalang po ako sa press conference ni Mar Valbuena at ng grupo ng Manibela noong Oktubre 9,” he recalled.

(I attended the press conference of Mar Valbuena and Manibela group on October 9.)

“Duon ay naibulalas ko ang mga impormasyon, na ang ilan sa aking mga nabanggit ay akin na ring binawi,” he said.

(There, I blurted out the information, that some of what I mentioned I also retracted.)

Tumbado explained he decided to recant his allegations after Guadiz called him and begged him to clear his name and reputation.

“Sa aming pag-uusap na hindi naiwasang mauwi sa iyakan,” he said.

(During our conversation, we couldn’t help but end in tears.)

“Sa bandang huli ay nagkapatawaran at nangako ako sa kanya na gagawin ko ang aking makakaya para maibalik ang nabahirang integridad at pangalan ni Chairman Guadiz,” he added.

(Towards the end, there was forgiving and I promised him that I will do my best to restore the tarnished integrity and name of Chairman Guadiz.)

Despite this turnaround, Tumbado claimed there is corruption within LTFRB.

He made a distinction, however, on his own previous accusations.

He said his previous claims were merely based on reports he had received.

“Ngunit ang mga to ay isinusumbong lamang din sa akin at wala akong direktang kaalaman o kumpirmasyon dahil hindi bahagi ng aking trabaho ang mag-imbestiga sa mga alegasyon,” claimed Tumbado.

(But these were only reported to me, and I have no direct knowledge or confirmation because it is not part of my job to investigate allegations.)

Tumbado is now saying the irregularities did not reach Malacañang and Department of Transportation.

These new statements are opposite of his previous exposé, wherein he had narrated that in March, he and Guadiz first started having discussions on how they could “benefit” from the “lagayan (bribe) scheme.”

He had said Malacanang and other agencies were involved.

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