Whistleblower recants, apologizes to Guadiz, Bautista, Palace

Whistleblower Jeff Tumbado on Wednesday recanted his allegations of corruption against Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista, and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board chairman Teofilo Guadiz III.

“After a careful reflection and deliberation, it is my honest desire to reiterate whatever allegations may have been said during the press conference on October 9, 2023 where the public declaration was made were all unintentional and misguided,” Tumbado said in his affidavit.

“All of the things said were borne out of impulse, irrational thinking, misjudgment, poor decision making,” he later added.

Tumbado previously alleged that suspended Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) chairperson Teofilo Guadiz III delivered corruption money to Bautista.

He also claimed that Guadiz told him two congressmen were also in on the collection of P5 million from transactions such as the opening of new routes or franchises.

According to Tumbado, he issued the statement as a form of apology.

“I have issued this sworn statement as a form of public apology in favour of Chairman Teofilo Guadiz III, Secretary Jaime Bautista, of the DOTr, and to the Office of the President,” Tumbado said.

Tumbado said he had no “malicious intention to besmirch the integrity and reputation” of any individual.

Despite this, he said he maintained that there were problems in the agency that required immediate investigation by authorities.

Guadiz was suspended by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday after the allegations came out. Guadiz has denied the allegations.

Bautista, for his part, also denied any involvement in the alleged graft and said he didn't allow corruption in the DOTr. —NB, GMA Integrated News