Bautista denies involvement in alleged LTFRB corruption, eyes filing of charges
Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Jaime Bautista is eyeing the filing of charges against the people, whom he said, were maligning him in connection with the alleged corruption related to franchise approval of modern jeepneys at the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).
In a video released to the media, Bautista also denied the allegations that the bribe money for the approval of the franchise did not only benefit those from the LTFRB but also reaches DOTr ranking officials.
“I am saddened by the baseless allegations being thrown at me that I’m involved in corruption. Please allow me to categorically say that I never accepted any money or favor since assuming the post as Transportation Secretary ,” said Bautista.
“I intend to strongly defend the truth and my name so I plan to file the appropriate fgormsl complaint to whoever is maligning me,” he added.
The corruption allegations started when a supposed former assistant of suspended LTFRB chairman Teofilo Guadiz III said in a press conference with transport group Manibela that multi-million peso money were involved in the approval of franchise, especially for modern jeepneys.
The allegation that was made on Monday, Oct. 9, resulted in President Marcos suspending Guadiz as LTFRB chairman.
Bautista also ordered a thorough investigation into the allegation although there were calls for the investigation to be done by an independent party due to the magnitude of the alleged corruption.
Bautista, however, emphasized that he was never involved in any corruption activity at the DOTr.
“I vehemently deny involvement in any corruption or inappropriate activities,” said Bautista.
“When I took the helm of the DOTr, I vowed to serve the country and the Filipino people with integrity. This to me is more precious than any material wealth,” he added.