Suspended LTFRB chair Guadiz gets back post after witness’ recantation

Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) chairman Teofilo Guadiz lll talks during a press briefing on Public Utility Vehicle’s (PUV) fuel subsidy and fare hike on Wednesday, September 13 at LTFRB central office in Quezon city. (File photo from Noy Morcoso/INQUIRER.net)

MANILA, Philippines —  Teofilo Guadiz III has been reinstated as the chairperson of Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).

This development comes after he was previously suspended due to allegations of corruption.

Department of Transportation (DOTr) made the announcement through a special order dated November 3 signed by DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista.

The order read, “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The order likewise repealed the designation of LTFRB Board Member Mercy Paras Leynes as Officer-in-Charge LTFRB chairperson from October 10, 2023, to October 9, 2024, effective Monday.

Guadiz was previously suspended by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on October 9 following corruption allegations made by his former executive assistant, Jeffrey Tumbado.

The LTFRB chief was accused of being involved in a “lagayan (bribery) scheme” within the board, which purportedly also involved other government agencies.

Tumbado later recanted his claims, citing his allegations were “borne out of impulse, irrational thinking, poor decision making, and misjudgment.”

After withdrawing his allegations, the “whistleblower” then reversed his recantation that cleared Guadiz’ name.