On Friday, October 20, 2023, marking the second day of the campaign period, several Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan candidates in Metro Manila were found to be in violation of the official memorandum issued by Comelec regarding the placement of campaign paraphernalia in designated areas.
Comelec Chairman George Garcia, along with other officials, took action by removing election paraphernalia such as posters and tarpaulins belonging to candidates running in the BSKE who had placed their materials in unauthorized poster locations along the Oroquieta and Recto areas of Metro Manila.
Photographs documenting Comelec Chairman George Garcia and other officials actively participating in the dismantling of campaign posters in various parts of Metro Manila were captured during this operation.
(Report and photography by Benjamin Cuaresma/ai/mnm)
Teofilo Guadiz III, the chair of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), has been suspended by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. following reports of alleged corruption.
In a statement issued by the Presidential Communications Office, President Marcos made it clear that he does not tolerate misconduct within his administration and has called for an immediate investigation into the matter.
The statement also emphasized the President’s strong condemnation of dishonesty and duplicity in public service.
The Department of Transportation has initiated an investigation into Guadiz’s actions, and he has been instructed to provide an explanation regarding the allegations of misconduct related to the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program.
Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista underscored the agency’s commitment to rooting out corrupt officials who misuse their positions.
In a statement, Bautista revealed that the investigation was prompted by allegations of corruption and other irregularities, particularly concerning the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program.
“We have launched an investigation into the accusations against the LTFRB. While we are in the process of evaluating the alleged irregularities involving Chairman Guadiz, we have also issued a notice to explain to him, asking for clarification on the allegations,” Bautista stated.
He further emphasized the Department’s unwavering stance against corruption and its readiness to impose severe sanctions when warranted by the evidence.
Guadiz responded to the allegations with a statement on the same day, asserting that the agency remains committed to delivering efficient and equitable service to its stakeholders.
“As of this morning, I am in my office, and I am unaware of any official charges filed against me. However, if there are any, I will address them because I maintain my innocence,” he declared.
The suspension of Guadiz followed revelations by a former senior executive assistant who exposed alleged corrupt activities within the LTFRB. (ai/mnm)