LTFRB exec suspended over corruption raps

MANILA — An official of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has been suspended due to allegations that he received PHP4.8 million in exchange for granting an application for a public utility vehicle (PUV) franchise.

In a statement Thursday, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said Secretary Arthur Tugade had issued a 90-day preventive suspension order against LTFRB Executive Director Samuel Jardin Jr. on Wednesday due to charges of grave misconduct; receiving for personal use a valuable thing in the course of official duties wherein such gift was given in the expectation of receiving favorable treatment; and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.

“The formal charge alleges that Jardin solicited money amounting to PHP4.8 million in exchange for facilitating and granting the application for a Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC),” the DOTr said.

Jardin is required to submit a verified answer, including documentary evidence within three days from receipt of the formal charge, as part of the internal investigation of the agency.

“Secretary Tugade strongly reiterates that any corrupt deed, or the perception thereof, in the ranks of the DOTr offices and attached agencies will not be tolerated,” according to the DOTr.

Meanwhile, the LTFRB said it supports the call for immediate and full investigation of the case.

“We leave it to DOTr to resolve the matter quickly, objectively, and fairly,” the Board said in a separate statement.

“The LTFRB remains steadfast in its commitment to President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s unrelenting campaign against corruption and in upholding the integrity of the institution,” it added.

The LTFRB executive director heads the pre-accreditation committee of the Board that reviews applications for franchises of PUVs.