Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 4) – Teofilo Guadiz has been reinstated as Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) chairperson after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered his suspension last month over allegations of corruption, Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Jaime Bautista confirmed to CNN Philippines on Saturday.
This was after several transport groups posted on social media a DOTr special order signed by Bautista, which said Guadiz would return to the post after he was axed.
READ: Marcos orders LTFRB chief suspension amid corruption claims
Guadiz’s reinstatement will take effect on Monday, Nov. 6.
His suspension on Oct. 9 was triggered after Jeffrey Tumbado, Guadiz’s former executive assistant, revealed a “ruta for sale” scheme wherein public utility vehicle operators would pay transport officials up to ₱5 million to get routes, franchises, and special permits, among others things.
Tumbado withdrew his corruption allegations shortly after making them, but claimed he was pressured, even threatened, into recanting and said he stood by his earlier statements.
On Oct. 23, the House Committee on Transportation – during a probe into the LTFRB corruption scandal – cited Tumbado in contempt for flip-flopping on his testimonies and for failure to prove his allegations against Guadiz and the agency.
Tumbado likewise admitted that his claims were baseless and were made out of resentment toward Guadiz
READ: House cites for contempt LTFRB whistleblower for flip-flopping, failure to prove corruption claims
