DOTr’s Bautista denies corruption accusations

MANILA: Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Jaime Bautista has denied corruption accusations hurled against him.

In a statement, the Transportation Chief said that the allegations are “baseless” and that he intends to fire back against those who continue to spread lies to malign his reputation by filing a formal complaint.

“I am saddened by the baseless allegations being thrown at me that I am involved in corruption. Please allow me to categorically say that I never accepted any money or favor since assuming the post of Transportation Secretary. When I took the helm of [the> Department of Transportation, I vowed to serve the country and the Filipino people with integrity, which to me is more precious than any material wealth,” Bautista was quoted saying.

“I intend to strongly defend the truth and my name, so I plan to file the appropriate formal complaint against whoever has been maligning me. While these allegations might have distracted us from our work, I vehemently deny involvement in any corruption or inappropriate activities,” he added.

Bautista received support from members of the Vehicle Inspection Center Operators Association of the Philippines (VICOAP), who expressed their confidence in Bautista amid issues surrounding the transport agency.

VICOAP wrote a letter addressed to the transport chief, noting that its members acknowledge Bautista’s commitment to modernize and improve the transport sector in the Philippines.

“Your vision and dedication to this cause have not only inspired us but have also paved the way for significant progress within the sector,” VICOAP wrote.

“We firmly believe in your integrity and the sincerity of your mission, and we stand by you as you continue to champion these objectives,” it added.

In a similar development, leaders of various transport groups stated their support to suspended Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Chair Teofilo Guadiz III.

To recall, Guadiz was relieved of his duties and is temporarily replaced by Attorney Mercy Paras Leynes. 

Per the aforementioned transport group leaders, they will not join the planned nationwide strike slated for October 16.

The said organization heads are namely Liga ng Transportasyon at Operators sa Pilipinas President Orlando Marquez, Alliance of Concerned Transport Organization National President Liberty Deluna, Pasang Masda President Ka-Obet Martin, Altodap President Melencio Vargas, Stop-n-Go President Zaldy Ping-ay, and Federation of Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines President Jephraim Gochangco.

“Bilang mga grupo na matagal nang sumubok sa serbisyo ng LTFRB, nananatiling buo ang aming paniniwala at suporta kay LTFRB Chairman Guadiz na hindi nagkulang sa pagbalangkas ng mga proyekto, programa at hakbang para sa aming mga ordinaryong operator at tsuper (As groups that have tried the LTFRB service for a long time, our faith and support remain intact in LTFRB Chairman Guadiz who has not failed to outline projects, programs and measures for our ordinary operators and drivers),” they said.

Photos from Department of Transportation - Philippines, Vehicle Inspection Center Operators Association of the Philippines, and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board - LTFRB, screenshot from Department of Transportation - Philippines

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