By Junex Doronio

MANILA — In the wake of Senator Raffy Tulfo’s opposition to China-made modern jeepneys, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Tuesday washed its hands off, saying it’s totally up to the jeepney cooperatives what unit they will purchase in compliance with the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP).

LTFRB Chairperson Teofilo Guadiz III stressed in a statement that the agency had “no say” on what unit and from what company the jeepney operators would purchase their modern jeepneys as this was the prerogative of the jeepney cooperatives.

“We also ensure that the primary aspect to consider in shifting to modern jeepneys is the safety and roadworthiness of the new jeepney units to provide better service to the commuters,” he said.

On Sunday (January 7), Tulfo charged that the purchase of Chinese-made jeeps reeks of corruption since it costs less to produce modern jeepneys in the Philippines.

He noted that imported jeepneys from China cost P2.6 million to P2.9 million per unit, while a local unit only amounts between P900,000 to P985,000.

But Guadiz pointed out that jeepney cooperatives should fully handle the process, and they could buy from any manufacturer, whether local, from Japan, or China, since the government would not meddle in this.

He added that transportation cooperatives could choose from Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-approved manufacturers that adhere to the Philippine National Standard.

“The DTI lists those compliant with the Philippine National Standard. It’s up to them [cooperatives] who they will choose. It’s their call… They have the full autonomy,” the LTFRB chief said.

(el Amigo/MNM)

By Junex Doronio

MANILA — Trying to diffuse a transportation crisis, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Thursday announced that it is allowing traditional jeepneys that fail to consolidate their franchises this month to ply select routes until Jan. 31, 2024.

The LTFRB board will determine these routes and said show cause order would be issued to non-consolidated drivers and operators during this period.

Several transport groups earlier warned of a possible transport crisis if thousands of traditional jeepneys are forced to stop plying the roads for failing to consolidate into cooperatives or join corporations.

Jeepney drivers and operators have argued that “modern jeepneys” are too expensive and will deprive single-unit operators of route franchises that will only benefit big corporations and transport cooperatives.

Authorities earlier warned traditional jeepneys could lose their permit to operate if they fail to consolidate individual franchises into a single franchise under a cooperative or corporation by Dec. 31, 2023, as part of the public utility vehicle (PUV) modernization program.

The LTFRB, however, in its latest memorandum said non-consolidated individual jeepneys would be allowed to ply routes where less than 60 percent of units are consolidated.

(IAmigo/mnm)

Ni Liezelle Soriano

IBINALIK na sa puwesto si Teofilo Guadiz III bilang chairperson ng Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) matapos bawiin ng testigo ang kanyang sinumpaang salaysay laban sa opisyal.

Sinabi ng Office of the Executive Secretary (OES) na inalis na ang suspensiyon kay Guadiz makaraang bawiin ni dating LTFRB aide Jefferson Tumbado ang mga paratang ng katiwalian laban kina Guadiz at Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista.

“The Office of the President lifted the suspension order imposed upon LTFRB Chairperson Teofilo Guadiz III after Jefferson Gallos Tumbado, who appears to be the sole witness in his case, executed an Affidavit of Recantation withdrawing his statements and allegations against him,” pahayag ng OES.

“As such there stands no reason to place Chairperson Guadiz under preventive suspension unless a supervening event maintaining the same accusations against him are put forth before the OP,” dagdag pa nito.

Inaasahang babalik na sa opisina si Guadiz sa Lunes, Nobyembre 6.

Matatandaang inakusahan ni Tumbado si Guadiz na sangkot umano sa mga katiwalian ngunit kalauna’y binawi rin niya ang akusasyon.

(ai/mnm)

By Liza Soriano

SENATE Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III wants to conduct an investigation on the alleged corruption in the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) “if no one seriously pursues it.”

Pimentel, however, pointed out that if the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) investigates the matter, then the Senate’s probe will be unnecessary.

“If NBI will investigate then [okay] na pala. ‘Pag walang mag-take charge then Senate should come in because of the public interest issue,” Pimentel said.

“If no one seriously pursues this issue then I will file a [resolution] for the Senate to investigate this,” he added.

Meanwhile, Senator Grace Poe said that the retraction of the former LTFRB employee Jeff Tumbado should also be investigated, saying that his sudden act was dubious.

“Kaduda-duda na nag-retract. Ano ba ang tunay na dahilan na binawi ito[?] Dapat imbestigahan bakit niya binawi ang kanyang salaysay,” the Senate public services committee chairperson said.

“Kasuhan siya kung walang basehan at tingnan kung may nag-udyok sa kanya na bawiin ang kanyang mga nasabing alegasyon. Sabi nga, kung may usok, malamang may nasusunog,” she added.

Earlier, Tumbado recanted his corruption allegations against Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Jaime Bautista and LTFRB chairman Teofilo Guadiz III.

“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,” Tumbado said in his affidavit.

“All of the things said were borne out of impulse, irrational thinking, misjudgment, poor decision making,” he then added.

(ai/mnm)

By Liza Soriano

SENATOR Grace Poe has urged the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to suspend the implementation of the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) until after all issues hounding it are resolved.

Earlier, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has suspended Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board chairman Teofilo Guadiz amid reports of alleged corruption.

The chairperson of the Committee on Public Services in the Upper House said that the alleged act of corruption is “unjust” for the public utility vehicle drivers.

“Kung totoo ang alegasyon, hindi ito makatarungan sa ating mga drayber na nawalan ng kabuhayan dahil pinaboran pala ang mga naglalagay,” Poe said.

Erring officials must be held accountable for bungling a very critical program of the transport sector, she added.

The senator hopes that while those involved are being investigated, the modernization program is also being organized that will improve the livelihood of drivers and provide proper service to commuters.

(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)

Ni Liezelle Soriano

NAGLAGAY ang Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) ng mga sticker para sa isang hotline kung saan maaaring magsumbong ang mga commuter sakaling maging biktima ng harassment at diskriminasyon sa mga pampublikong sasakyan.

Ito ay bahagi ng pagpapatupad ng Republic Act No. 11313 o ang “Bawal Bastos Law,” na ipinasa noong 2018.

“Kailangan ‘yung ating mga driver, konduktor, or any transport employees ay maging vigilant  din sila sa mga sumbong ng mga pasahero at kailangan po silang umaksyon dahil kung hindi meron din silang penalty,” sabi ni LTFRB Spokesperson Joel Bolano.

Ang hotline ng LTFRB sa “bawal bastos” ay 1234.

Sa ilalim ng Safe Spaces Act, “any unwanted and uninvited sexual actions or remarks against any person” sa pampublikong lugar ay maaaring maparusahan.

“The State also recognizes that both men and women must have equality, security and safety not only in private, but also on the streets, public spaces, online, workplaces and educational and training institutions,” nakasaad sa Republic Act No. 11313. (ai/mnm)