Suspended Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board executive director Samuel Jardin has denied the corruption charge filed against him, calling it “malicious, baseless, unfounded, and libelous.”
In his verified answer submitted to the Department of Transportation the other day, Jardin said he “vehemently denies” the allegations made by complainant Michelle Sapangila that he solicited and received P4.8 million in exchange for granting a public utility vehicle franchise.
Jardin claimed that Sapangila’s allegations against him are “malicious, baseless, unfounded, and libelous that unjustly tarnish his name and reputation and of the LTFRB that he holds dear.”
The transportation official’s answer came after the DoTr filed a formal charge against him 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 department also issued a preventive suspension order against Jardin for 90 days pending result of the investigation on the matter.
In a document provided by Jardin, he reiterated that he “never solicited money” and “never received any money” from Sapangila who accused him of dividing the bribe with LTFRB Chairman Martin Delgra III.
“Respondent (Jardin) and Chairman Martin Delgra III have never talked about money but public service and that Chairman Delgra has repeatedly been reminding LTFRB officials and employees against corruption,” Jardin said in the document. (Alexandria San Juan)
