The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has reinstated the head of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), who was involved in alleged corruption at the agency.
In a special order dated 3 November, Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista said assistant secretary Teofilo Guadiz is reinstated as chairperson of the LTFRB effective 6 November 2023.
LTFRB board member Mercy Para Leynes, designated officer-in-charge from 10 October 2023 to 9 October 2024 is likewise repealed effective 6 November.
Malacanang lifted Guadez’s suspension after Jeff Tumbado, a former employee of LTFRB, recanted his statement on alleged corruption in the agency.
“The Office of the President lifted the suspension order imposed upon LTFRB Chairperson Teofilo Guadiz III after Jefferson Gallos Tumbado, who appears to be the sole witness in his case, executed an Affidavit of Recantation withdrawing his statements and allegations against him,” Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin said in a separate statement.
“As such there stands no reason to place Chairperson Guadiz under preventive suspension unless a supervening event maintaining the same accusations against him are put forth before the OP,” he added.
Guadiz in a statement thanked President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. for his reinstatement as LTFRB chief.
“I am truly honored and humbled by the trust and confidence that President Marcos has placed in me to continue serving our nation in this capacity,” Guadiz said.
“I pledge to uphold the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and efficiency in leading the LTFRB. We will work tirelessly to address the pressing issues and challenges in the transportation sector, striving to improve the lives of the Filipino people by providing safe, reliable, and accessible public transportation services,” he added.
Under the leadership of President Marcos, Guadiz said the agency looks forward to contributing to the progress and prosperity for the Philippines.
“I am committed to working closely with our dedicated team at the LTFRB and other stakeholders to achieve our common goals,” Guadiz said.
