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Manila Bulletin devider Business devider Trade & Industry devider Shipping group defends DOTr Bautista vs corruption allegations

Shipping group defends DOTr Bautista vs corruption allegations

Published Oct 23, 2023 08:50 am

The Philippine Coastwise Shipping Association Inc. (PCSA) has voiced their support for Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Jaime J. Bautista, who is currently facing corruption allegations from a transport group.   

PCSA Chairman Lucio Roger Lim Jr. and President Paul Rodriguez issued a joint statement expressing the stance of the country’s largest organization of shipowners and ship operators.

“Secretary Bautista, in a brief span of 15 months, has remarkably demonstrated an entrepreneurial spirit and a profound commitment to addressing both the unique local and overarching global challenges faced by our maritime sector. His foresight has always prioritized the pillars of national security, robust economic growth, and the creation of a holistic and sustainable transportation ecosystem,” read the statement.

The PCSA said that Manibela's Chairman Mar Valbuena's allegations, which link Bautista to the corruption issues within the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), are “unfounded and part of a smear campaign to tarnish Bautista’s reputation.”

“We vehemently denounce the baseless character assassinations targeted at Secretary Bautista. His integrity, professionalism, and sincere intentions for the nation’s advancement command our deepest respect and support,” it said.

“We remain steadfast with Secretary Bautista, endorsing his relentless pursuit of excellence not only for the maritime industry but for the entire Filipino populace,” the group added.

During a press conference hosted by Manibela on Oct. 9,  Jeff Tumbado, a former executive assistant of suspended LTFRB chairperson Teofilo Guadiz, said there was rampant corruption in the LTFRB that allegedly involved Bautista.

Guadiz denied the allegations but he was suspended by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. 

Meanwhile, Tumbado recanted his statements a few days later.

Bautista filed cyber libel complaints against Valbuena and a journalist Ira Panganiban on Oct. 17. 
 

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