Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 15) — The former aide of suspended Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) chairman Teofilo Guadiz III on Sunday said he will cooperate with the National Bureau of Investigation’s (NBI) probe into the alleged corruption in the agency.
“Let it be known that I am willing to cooperate in any parallel investigation to be conducted by the NBI,” Jeffrey Tumbado, former executive assistant of Guadiz, said in a statement.
The NBI on Saturday confirmed it served a subpoena to Tumbado, asking him “to present evidence to support the allegation of corruption in the LTFRB.”
Department of Justice Assistant Secretary and spokesperson Mico Clavano said Tumbado may be penalized if he fails to appear before the NBI.
Tumbado said he may ask to reset the date of the hearing.
“I am constrained to ask for a resetting of the hearing because I have to prepare for the Congressional hearing that I will attend on Tuesday, October 17,” he said.
He added that he already asked his legal counsel to coordinate with the NBI.
Last Monday, Oct. 9, Tumbado said operators of public utility vehicles pay transportation officials up to ₱5 million for franchises, additional routes, and special permits.
He also said Guadiz received instructions from high-ranking officials in the Department of Transportation and Malacañang regarding the bribery. His allegations led to the suspension of Guadiz.
Last Wednesday, Tumbado recanted his allegations of corruption, saying in an affidavit that these were “all unintentional and misguided” and were “encouraged by some individuals.”
