Guadiz back as LTFRB chairman

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has reinstated Teofilo Guadiz III as chairman of the  Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) after involvement in a corruption controversy.

In a special order signed by Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista dated November 3, it was said that Guadiz will be back in service on Monday, November 6, according to a report by Luisito Santos on Super Radyo dzBB on Sunday.

“In the exigency and best interest of service, Assistant Secretary Teofilo Guadiz III is hereby reinstated as the Chairperson of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), effective 06 November 2023,” the order read.

Meanwhile, the office of Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin issued a statement regarding the matter.

"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," the statement read.

"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," it added.

In a statement, Guadiz thanked President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for having him reinstated as LTFRB chairman.

"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, we look forward to contributing to the administration's vision of progress and prosperity for the Philippines. I am committed to working closely with out dedicated team at the LTFRB and other stakeholders to achieve our common goals," Guadiz said.

"Once again, I express my deep appreciation to President Marcos for his trust and support. I am excited to continue our mission of making transportation in the Philippines better for all," he said.

Suspended LTFRB Chair Asec. Teofilo Guadiz III reinstated @gmanews @24OrasGMA pic.twitter.com/pmrMnBxJjO

— Joseph Morong ???????? (@Joseph_Morong) November 5, 2023

In October, Marcos suspended Guadiz amid allegations of corruption under his leadership.

Guadiz was embroiled in a controversy after his former executive assistant, Jeff Tumbado, alleged that Guadiz delivered corruption money to Bautista.

Tumbado also claimed that bribe money from operators can go as high as P5 million to secure a route, franchise, special permits or board resolutions.

Both the DOTr officials denied the allegations.

A few weeks after, Tumbado recanted his allegations of corruption against Guadiz and Bautista.

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

LTFRB board member Mercy Paras Leynes was designated as LTFRB officer-in-charge following Guadiz’ suspension.

The November 3 special order repealed Leynes’ designation as OIC also effective Monday. —Giselle Ombay/KG, GMA Integrated News