Bersamin: 'Premature' to comment on claims linking DOTr chief to LTFRB graft issues

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on Wednesday said it is still “premature” to comment on allegations linking Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista to graft issues hounding the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).

“Premature for me to say anything yet kasi wala pa yan eh [there is still nothing yet]. They are still investigating,” Bersamin said in an ambush interview.

On Tuesday, transport group Manibela president Mar Valbuena said the whistleblower, Jeff Tumbado, alleged that suspended LTFRB chairperson Teofilo Guadiz III delivered corruption money to Bautista.

"Pa-pogi ito ni (LTFRB) Chairman [Teofisto Guadiz III]. Dinadala po ito kay Secretary Bautista at ang sinasabi daw sa kanila dadalhin ito sa Malacañang...Pampa-pogi daw po para maging malakas sila at hindi sila matanggal at tuloy-tuloy kanilang pagkakaupo sa puwesto nila," Valbuena said.

[This is reportedly brought to Secretary Bautista and they are told this will be brought to Malacanang. The 'gift' will reportedly put them in good graces so they can have job security.]

Tumbado, former executive assistant of the suspended LTFRB chairman, claimed that Guadiz told him that two congressmen were also in on the collection of P5 million from transactions such as the opening of new routes or franchises.

He likewise bared that bribe money from operators can go as high as P5 million to secure a route, franchise, special permits or board resolutions.

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

He also alleged that every LTFRB regional director was required to remit a monthly quota of P2 million, bringing the monthly collection to P30 million.

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

Due to the allegations, Senator Grace Poe, chairperson of the Senate public services committee, has called on the Department of Transportation to suspend the implementation of the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP).

Bersamin was also asked about the House of Representatives' slashing of P1.23 billion worth of confidential funds from five agencies, but he said, "No comment." — RSJ, GMA Integrated News