Bongbong Marcos suspends LTFRB chair Guadiz amid alleged corruption

Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) chairman Teofilo Guadiz speaks during the press briefing on fuel subsidy and fare hike petitions for Public Utility Vehicles (PUV) at LTFRB central office in Quezon City. Noy Morcoso/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Monday suspended Teofilo Guadiz from his post as chairman of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) amid reports of alleged corruption.

Presidential Communications Office (PCO) announced the suspension in a statement.

It said Marcos already instructed an investigation on the accusations.

“The President does not tolerate any misconduct in his administration and has instructed the immediate investigation of this matter,” PCO said.

READ: Transportation chief names Mercy Leynes as LTFRB OIC

“He strongly condemns dishonesty and duplicity in public service,” it added.

Guadiz’s suspension came after former senior executive assistant Jeffrey Tumbado earlier exposed alleged corrupt activities happening within the board.

Tumbado bared that he and Guadiz first started having discussions on how they could “benefit” from the “lagayan scheme” last March, accusing other agencies and even Malacanang of being involved.

Among the under-the-table transactions done within the LTFRB were modifications of routes, prioritization of franchise papers, and special permits — with each illegal transaction costing P5 million, and paid in two installments.

READ: Suspension of PUV modernization sought amid LTFRB corruption issue

Meanwhile, Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista for his part has already ordered Guadiz to explain the irregularities and corruption allegations plaguing the LTFRB.

He said that an investigation has already been launched regarding the allegations.

APL