Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista on Wednesday, Oct. 11 strongly denied the accusation that he was involved in the alleged widespread corruption in the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).
In a video statement, he said he was "saddened by the baseless allegations" being thrown at him.
"Let me categorically say that I have never accepted any money or favor since assuming the post of transportation secretary," Bautista said.
"When I took the helm of the Department of Transportation, I vowed to serve the country and Filipino people with integrity which to me is more precious than any material wealth," he added.
As a way to defend the truth and clear his name, the Transporation Secretary bared his plans to file appropriate complaints to those who are maligning him.
"I deny any involvement in any corruption or inappropriate activities," he furthered.
During the press briefing of transport group Manibela on Monday, Oct. 9, Jeffrey Tumbad, the former executive assistant of suspended LTFRB chief Teofilo 'Jojo' Guadiz, disclosed that illegal transactions were rampant in the agency.
He said there were schemes such as "ruta for sale" and "special permit for sale".
Tumbad claimed that Guadiz had ordered him to take care of the requests.
But he said that the suspended LTFRB chief only got the orders from "higher ups" in the transporation department and the Malacañang Palace.
The former executive assistant refused to drop names of the allegedly involved officials until such time he formally file a case before the Office of the Ombudsman.
