Tugade suspends two DOTr-CAR top officials over alleged corruption

Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade suspended two top officials of the Department of Transportation-Cordillera Administrative Region (DOTr-CAR) who are alleged to be involved in corruption. (Photo: Department of Transportation – Philippines/Facebook)

Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade suspended two top officials of the Department of Transportation-Cordillera Administrative Region (DOTr-CAR) who are alleged to be involved in corruption.

In a statement on Tuesday, May 22, the DOTr said it served a 90-day suspension order yesterday against DOTr-CAR Director Jesus Eduardo Natividad and Assistant Regional Director Datu Mohammad Abbas for supposedly committing grave misconduct, conduct prejudicial to the best interest of service, and gross neglect of duty.

According to the reports obtained by the DOTr, Natividad “allegedly demanded and accepted money in exchange for a favorable decision relative to applications for the issuance of Certificated of Public Convenience (CPC).”

He is also under investigation for purportedly requiring district heads for monthly remittances.

It added that there were complaints which say that apart from his frequent absences, Natividad also “failed to perform his duty in the conduct of operations against colorum vehicles.

Abbas, meanwhile, apparently “extorted money in exchange of [sic] the release of impounded vehicles.”

The agency also said that a complaint was filed against him by a certain Regina Migano “for gun brandishing and toting.”

The DOTr said that it has filed formal charges against the two officials.

Two respondents were given 72 hours to answer the allegations lodged against them. The DOTr added that the officials if found guilty, would be dismissed from service.

Tugade, for his part, stressed his “zero tolerance” for corruption in his department.

“Hahaba at hahaba ang listahan ng mga masisibak sa Departamentong ito hangga’t hindi niyo itinitigil ang mga iligal na aktibidad. Maraming ulo na ang gumulong (The list of sacked officials will grow longer in this department as long as you do not stop the illegal activities. Several heads had already rolled),” Tugade said.

“Hindi ko kayo panghihinayangan lalo’t anay kayo na sumisira sa imahe ng mga tapat na naglilingkod sa gobyerno (I would not regret losing you because you are the ones who are destroying the image of those who are committed to serving the government),” he added.

The Transportation Chief has fired a number of officials since assuming office, while several others are undergoing scrupulous investigation for their engagement in corruption and other illegal activities.

“Opisyal o ordinaryong empleyado, kung magnanakaw sa taong bayan o sisira sa imahe ng buong departamento, pasensyahan talaga tayo (May it be an official or an ordinary employee, if you are going to steal money from the people or even destroy the image of the entire department, I’m sorry),” Tugade noted.

On Monday, May 21, President Rodrigo Duterte fired DOTr Assistant Secretary Mark Tolentino over his supposed dealing with a presidential sister.

The Palace said that the President is clear in his order that no government officials are allowed to talk with any of the Chief Executive’s relative if they are after contracts or appointments in the government.