Suspend PUV upgrade program amid graft allegations — senator

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SEN. Grace Poe yesterday called on the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to suspend the implementation of the public utility vehicle modernization program (PUVMP) amid corruption allegations in the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).

Poe, who chairs the Senate Committee on Public Services, said the modernization program being spearheaded by the DOTr through the LTFRB needs to be halted until all issues surrounding the agency are resolved.

“We want to modernize our PUVs, but it should be one that is progressive, just and humane. The PUVMP program has been riddled with various issues, and then there’s this corruption allegations,” Poe said in a statement.

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Poe said if the corruption allegations raised by former LTFRB executive assistant Jeffrey Tumbado are true, it is not fair to public utility vehicle drivers who have lost their livelihood due to the alleged bribery scheme in the LTFRB.

Tumbado, who served as special assistant to LTFRB chairperson Teofilo Guadiz and resigned last month, claimed that among the allegedly illegal activities in the agency were the modifications of routes, order of priority for franchise papers, and the issuance of special permits, in return for bribe money amounting to P5 million for each transaction.

Last Monday, Malacanang ordered the suspension of Guadiz while the corruption allegations are being investigated.

Poe said aside from suspension, charges should be filed against erring LTFRB officials if the evidence warrants it.

“Erring officials must be held accountable for bungling a very critical program of the transport sector,” Poe said.

LTFRB OIC

Lawyer Mercy Paras-Leynes, a member of the LTFRB board, was appointed yesterday by the DOTr as officer-in-charge of the agency.

An order signed by DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista designated Paras-Leynes as OIC effective October 10, 2023 until October 9, 2024.

Bautista recommended the appointment of Paras-Leynes after Guadiz was suspended last Monday by President Marcos Jr. — With Myla Iglesias 

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