Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 10) — Transport group Manibela will push through with its planned nationwide transport strike beginning Oct. 16 despite the suspension of Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) chairman Teofilo Guadiz III.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered the suspension of Guadiz on Monday amid allegations made by his former aide Jeffrey Tumbado that he is taking bribes in exchange for franchise, additional routes, and special permits.
\”Kasi marami pang sangkot sa kaso ang nakaupo sa pwesto [Because there are many officials involved that are still in office],\” Manibela chairman Mar Valbuena told CNN Philippines on Tuesday.
Tumbado is set to file graft complaints against officials allegedly part of the \”ruta for sale\” scheme, with Manibela as the co-complainant.
READ: Corruption charges to be filed vs. LTFRB officials
The former executive assistant claimed Guadiz received instructions on the corrupt practice from \”higher-ups\” in the Department of Transportation and Malacañang.
Valbuena added that the group is also protesting the deadline for the consolidation of traditional jeepney franchise holders set on Dec. 31.
\”‘Yung deadline ng aming provisional authority na lagi na lang kaming iniipit [We are continuously pressed with the deadline for our provisional authority],\” Valbuena said.
