The Department of Transportation yesterday suspended the executive director of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board for alleged corruption.
Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade issued the 90-day preventive suspension order against LTFRB Executive Director Samuel Jardin.
The DoTr has filed a formal charge against Jardin for “grave misconduct; receiving for personal use a valuable thing in the course of official duties wherein such gift was given in the expectation of receiving favorable treatment; and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.”
The formal charge from the DOTr dated April 3 alleged that Jardin solicited money amounting to P4.8 million in exchange for facilitating and granting the application for a Certificate of Public Convenience.
The DOTr has required Jardin, who also heads the pre-accreditation committee of the LTFRB that reviews franchise applications, to submit a “verified answer,” including documentary evidence, within three days after receiving the formal charge.
During the DoTr flag raising ceremony in Clark, Pampanga last Tuesday, Tugade announced that two high-ranking officials, then unnamed, will be suspended for alleged involvement in corruption.
Tugade reiterated that “any corrupt deed, or the perception thereof, in the ranks of the DOTr offices and attached agencies will not be tolerated.” (Alexandria San Juan)