The regional director of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board in Bicol was suspended, along with two other LTFRB employees, for allegedly extorting protection money from transport operators in the region.
LTFRB Chairman Martin Delgra III said that the Board has issued a preventive suspension order against LTFRB Region 5 Director Vladmir Kahulugan and Regional Franchising and Regulatory Office Region 5 employees Andres Tabunda and Arnel Sabello over corruption allegations.
Kahulugan is facing complaints for grave misconduct, gross neglect of duty, and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the public, while Tabunda and Sabello were formally charged with falsification of documents in relation to the appointments of some LTFRB Region 5 personnel.
The case against the three was filed based on verified reports that they are soliciting cash and extorting money from public utility vehicle operators with pending cases in the region, the LTFRB said in a statement.
According to the Board, they also allowed an enforcement team to demand monthly protection money from operators and drivers there.
The transport regulatory body assured the public that the agency is doing its part to uphold its mandate for a “transparent, accountable, and corruption-free government service.”
“We are undertaking all necessary measures to reassure the public of LTFRB’s commitment to good governance. Wala po tayong palalampasin,” Delgra said.
The LTFRB had earlier dismissed another officer of the RFRO Region 5 identified as Gerald del Rio for grave misconduct after accepting money for the speedy issuance of franchise to PUV operators in Catanduanes and Masbate.
The Board had also axed 13 other job order employees in connection with the case. (Alexandria San Juan)
