Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 10) — Former Land Transportation and Franchising Board (LTFRB) official Jeffrey Tumbado is urging Malacañang to “protect the truth” amid his allegations of corruption in the transport sector.
“Nananawagan ako sa Pangulong Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos [Jr.] sa kanyang anti-corruption campaign na panatilihin po ninyong buhay ang inyong kampanya at hindi pagkukunwari,” Tumbado said in a statement on Tuesday.
[Translation: I’m calling on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to keep his anti-corruption campaign alive and this should not be hypocrisy.]
Marcos ordered the suspension of LTFRB chairman Teofilo Guadiz III amid Tumbado’s allegations that Guadiz takes bribes in exchange for franchises, additional routes, and special permits.
Tumbado used to work as executive assistant to Guadiz.
While he didn’t name names, he said Guadiz was not acting alone in taking bribes as he was merely following orders from “higher ups” or officials from the Department of Transportation and Malacañang.
“Patuloy po ako na maglalahad ng katotohan sa malawakang kurapsyon at katiwalian sa loob ng ahensya na kinasasangkutan pa ng ilang personalidad sa Legal at Technical Division,” Tumbado said.
[Translation: I will continue to expose the truth about the wide-scale corruption and anomaly inside the agency, in which some personalities from the legal and technical divisions are also involved.]
Tumbado is planning to file corruption complaints against those involved in what he calls the “ruta for sale” scheme.
READ: Corruption charges to be filed vs. LTFRB officials
Meantime, transport group Manibela will push through with its planned nationwide transport strike beginning Oct. 16 despite the suspension of Guadiz.
Manibela chairperson Mar Valbuena added that the group is also protesting the deadline for the traditional jeepney franchise set on Dec. 31.
