Manila 'whistleblower' recants accusations, now faces allegations of demanding money from franchise applicants
Jeffrey Tumbado says his statements were 'unintentional' and 'misguided'
Manila: Former Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) senior executive assistant and self-styled whistleblower Jeffrey Tumbado has retracted his previous allegations of "corruption" within the agency.
In a dramatic turn, Tumbado made known his U-turn through an affidavit of recantation with an apology on Wednesday, a copy of which was obtained by Philippine media.
Now, in a bizarre twist, he's also facing allegations of misusing his position.
In a statement, Tumbado expressed his sincere desire to clarify that any accusations he made during a press conference on Monday (October 9, 2023), were “unintentional” and “misguided”.
"I have issued this sworn affidavit as a public apology to Chairman Teofilo Guadiz III, Secretary Jaime Bautista...and to the Office of the President,'" Tumbado stated in a document obtained by Manila-based Rappler.
Chairman Guadiz was suspended and replaced by another official following a written order by DoTr Jaime Secretary Bautista.
‘Unintentional, misguided’
"It is my honest desire to reiterate whatever allegations may have been said during the press conference on October 9, 2023, where the public declaration was made, were all unintentional and misguided," he said in the affidavit.
Tumbado admitted that his earlier statements were impulsive, irrational, and driven by poor judgment, further claiming that he was "influenced" by certain individuals.
His initial accusations included claims that transport operators paid officials substantial sums, up to 5 million pesos (about $88,249), in exchange for franchises, additional routes, and special permits.
He also alleged that Guadiz, the former LTFRB chair, received instructions from higher-ranking officials in the Department of Transportation (DoTR) and Malacañang concerning bribery.
Legal action
Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista has expressed his intention to take legal action against anyone who tarnishes his reputation.
Tumbado, despite issuing the affidavit of recantation and apologies to Guadiz, Bautista, and the Office of the President for his previous statements, maintained his stance that "issues" within the agency require a thorough investigation and accountability for those responsible.
Dramatic turn of events
In a rather unusual twist of events, leaders representing various transport groups convened a press conference on Wednesday (October 11) during which they announced their decision not to join the upcoming transport strike earlier declared by the Manibela group.
Instead, they declared their support for the suspended LTFRB chief, Guadiz. The leaders stated that during their extensive collaboration with the suspended LTFRB chief, they had not come across any illicit transactions.
Instead, they went on to accuse the whistleblower, Tumbado, of allegedly asking for Php25,000 (approximately $440) per unit in exchange for a transport franchise, acording to the Manila Bulletin.
The new development has added a layer of complexity to the ongoing controversy, with allegations and counter-allegations of corruption within the LTFRB, further deepening the intrigue surrounding the agency.