Senators on Thursday, October 12 pressed for a Senate probe on the recantation of a whistleblower on corruption allegations against officials of the Land Transportation, Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).

This, after Jeffrey Tumbado, former senior executive assistant at LTFRB, revealed alleged corrupt practices within the agency and retracting his statements two days later.

“We are not taking it for granted but we won’t tolerate false testimonies,” Sen. Grace Poe said.

“Regardless, proper audit and hopefully, more legitimate whistleblowers will courageously testify if there are anomalies in any government agency. They are assured of the Senate’s protection,” she said.

“The investigation should look into why he recanted his statement,” Poe said.

Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III also backed a Senate probe on Tumbado’s allegations.

Pimentel welcomed the National Bureau of Investigation’s (NBI) move to investigate, but the Senate should come in if no other agency will take charge “because of the public interest issue.”

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

Tumbado earlier bared during a press conference that he and suspended LTFRB chief Teofilo Guadiz III had discussions on how they can supposedly “benefit” from under-the-table negotiations within the agency.

According to Tumbado, this includes modifications of routes, prioritization of franchise papers, and special permits.

However, after two days, Tumbado recanted his allegations.

“After a careful reflection and deliberation, it is my honest desire to reiterate whatever allegations may have been said during the press conference on Oct. 9 2023 where the public declaration was made were all unintentional and misguided,” Tumbado said.