CEBU CITY—The regional director of the Land Transportation Office Central Visayas (LTO 7) said he believed that he was the one alluded to when Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque asked a transportation official to shape up amid allegations of corruption.
“Let’s cut to the chase. He is referring to me as the regional director. But if he is going to accuse me of being corrupt, I would demand that I would be given a fair chance to present everything that is in our possession so that we will know who is corrupt,” said Victor Caindec in a virtual press conference Tuesday.
In a recent press conference in Cagayan de Oro, Roque said a transportation official is being given a chance to shape up due to reports of anomalous deals.
Caindec said he was ready to prove his innocence, and that these allegations against him surfaced after he initiated “an extensive investigation that led to bribery.”
Caindec said the investigation stemmed from complaints that several vehicle dealers have been refusing to give their clients copies of their registration.
Caindec said during the course of the investigation, he had a meeting with officials of five big car dealers.
It was during the meeting last February that an attempt to bribe him happened.
“They tried to bribe me for P500 per transaction to expedite their registration. I asked ‘why do you have to bribe us if there is no problem?’ That bribe attempt was repeated,” Caindec said.
Caindec said the investigation also showed that dealers were using different sets of sales invoices which was “actually an act of tax evasion.”
“As they were doctoring these documents, it is taking them long to submit,” said Caindec.
Some dealers were also selling motorcycles even before they are registered
Caindec said there was a time when Roque urged a senior transportation official to remove him due to corruption.
“Ayusin mo ‘yan, kasi si Sec. Roque tumatawag (Fix that because Secretary Roque has been calling,” said Caindec, quoting the transportation official as saying.
Caindec revealed that he was already fearing for his safety.
“As we speak I am trembling with fear for my life. I am still lucky that I still able to speak to you, answer the accusation that I am corrupt,” said Caindec.
“When you start to uncover that involves billions, there is a threat already. There will be attempts to silence you. There is an orchestrated attempt to remove me,” added Caindec.
Caindec said documents containing the details of the investigation has been submitted to higher office.
Caindec is hoping that he will be able to explain the issue to President Duterte.
He added that he cannot be accused of corruption since he has supported the President’s call to reform the government.
“What hurts me most is that we are the ones who are doing it right and yet we are the ones being accused of corruption,” Caindec said.