DOTr urged to halt PUV modernization program amid alleged corruption in LTFRB

Senator Grace Poe on Tuesday urged the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to suspend the implementation of the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) amid allegations of corruptions in the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB.)

“In light of the alleged corruption in the LTFRB, we call on the Department of Transportation to suspend the implementation of the PUV Modernization Program (PUVMP) until all issues hounding it are resolved,” Poe, chairperson of the Senate public services committee, said.

“We want to modernize our PUVs, but it should be one that is progressive, just and humane. Hindi na nga makausad nang maayos ang PUVMP dahil sa iba't ibang isyu, nabahiran pa ng korapsyon (The PUVMP was already hounded by different issues then now it is also tainted with corruption),” she added.

Poe said erring officials should be held accountable for “bungling a very critical program of the transport sector.”

“Kung totoo ang alegasyon, hindi ito makatarungan sa ating mga drayber na nawalan ng kabuhayan dahil pinaboran pala ang mga naglalagay (If the allegations are proven to be true, it is not fair for our drivers who lost their livelihoods because they favored those who gave them money),” she said.

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Monday ordered the suspension of LTFRB chairman Teofilo Guadiz III amid reports of alleged corruption under his leadership.

In a "24 Oras" report by Maki Pulido, a former executive assistant of Guadiz bared that bribe money from operators can go as high as P5 million to secure a route, franchise, special permits or board resolutions.

Jeff Tumbado said operators are asked to pay a 50% downpayment, with the balance to be given when the request is granted.

Tumbado said that aside from the alleged bribery at the LTFRB central office, regional directors are also given quotas to produce P2 million a month.

He said he personally witnessed the conversations and had text screenshots and audio recordings to prove his claims, adding that he decided to come out to stop the anomaly which is victimizing even poor operators.

Tumbado said he would file complaints for graft and violation of ease of doing business before the Office of the Ombudsman.

Transport group Manibela will join Tumbado.—AOL, GMA Integrated News