THE House Committee on Transportation chaired by Antipolo City Rep. Romeo Acop on Monday cited Mr. Jeffrey Tumbado in contempt during the motu proprio inquiry into the alleged anomalies and irregularities inside the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).
He was ordered detained in the House premises for 10 days.
SAGIP Party-list Rep. Rodante Marcoleta moved to cite Mr. Tumbado in contempt for disrespecting the committee’s proceedings, which hinders them to accurately determine whether there are indeed irregularities in the LTFRB. “We cannot rely on the answers of this witness or this resource person Mr. Chair, there were several questions asked, and I was here and was earnestly listening to the answers. I hoped we were able to get something from him but we failed to do that,” Rep. Marcoleta said.
Several weeks ago, Mr. Tumbado, a former LTFRB employee, came forward with allegations of anomalies and irregularities, including bribery, “routes for sale,” and the preferential treatment of franchise papers and special permits.
However, he was unable to present evidence and substantiate his allegations especially against suspended LTFRB Chairman Atty. Teofilo Guadiz III during the hearing, which irritated several lawmakers. Mr. Tumbado apologized to Atty. Guadiz and Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Jaime Bautista for dragging them in the alleged corruption inside the LTFRB. He said that his previous allegations against Atty. Guadiz were due to ill-feeling, misunderstanding and lack of poor judgement.
Nonetheless, he maintains that corruption and irregularities persist in the LTFRB.
Mr. Tumbado invoked his right against self-incrimination under Rep. Acop’s questioning, openly acknowledging that his answers would implicate him directly in the claims he brought to the LTFRB. “You are equally guilty kung meron mang gulity sa LTFRB. Nandoon ka na e, kasama ka, sumama lang ang loob mo,” Rep. Acop concluded.
Mr. Tumbado further confessed that the evidences he presented showing the conversations between him and Atty. Guadiz had been “spliced.” Atty. Guadiz, on the other hand, said he is also looking into filing possible cases against Mr. Tumbado for his allegations.
The Committee held an executive session to allow Mr. Tumbado to disclose the identities of individuals who are potentially involved in the corruption within the LTFRB
