FORMER Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) senior executive assistant Jeffrey Tumbado has recanted the corruption accusations he threw against his former boss, suspended LTFRB chairman Teofilo Guadiz III, as well as officials from the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Office of the President.
In his affidavit of recantation issued on Wednesday, October 11, 2023, Tumbado apologized for the statements he made, particularly on the grease money allegedly being received by Guadiz from transport groups for the processing of their requests, such as for the modification of route, issuance of special permit and prioritization of franchise papers.
“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,” he said.
“All of the things said were borne out of impulse, irrational thinking, misjudgment, poor decision making and were encouraged by some individuals to make the statement which may have added to my confusion and affected my better judgment,” he added.
Tumbado said it is not in his intention to “besmirch the integrity and reputation of anyone.”
But he said he stood by the issue that there are problems within the LTFRB that needed immediate investigation in order to punish those accountable.
Tumbado said during the October 9 press conference, which was organized by transport group Manibela, headed by its chairperson Mar Valbuena, he believes that the payola reaches the DOTr and the Malacañang as Guadiz would not act without the orders from the higher-ups.
He said two congressmen were also benefiting from the illegal collection.
Hours after Tumbado made the allegations, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered the suspension of Guadiz, while DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista issued him a notice to explain.
Guadiz and Bautista both denied Tumbado’s claims.
In a press conference conducted by various transport groups on Thursday, October 12, Tumbado was accused of being the one demanding money from them.
Benhur Menor, a member of the transport group SV3, said Tumbado received P300,000 from them for the processing of their franchise.
He said the payment was made in three tranches, which happened in front of Guadiz’s office.
Zaldy Ping-Ay of group Stop and Go said Tumbado also demanded money from him in order to talk with Guadiz.
Tumbado said he will file libel charges against those accusing him of corruption.
Meanwhile, Bautista said he spoke with Tumbado, who denied dragging his name in the corruption allegations, pointing to Valbuena as the “manufacturer” of the claims.
He said they are studying the possibility of filing charges against Tumbado and Valbuena considering the gravity of their accusations. (SunStar Philippines)