MANILA, Philippines — The director of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) office in Bicol and two other employees have been suspended over allegations of corruption.
LTFRB director Vladimir Kahulugan was suspended in view of the complaints for grave misconduct, gross neglect of duty and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the public that he is facing.
Andres Tabunda and Arnel Sabello were accused of falsifying documents and tampering with the minutes of deliberations on the appointment of several LTFRB personnel.
The LTFRB said the cases also stemmed from verified reports of cash solicitations.
The three reportedly allowed a certain Mark Sumulong to collect money from transport operators with pending cases. They were also accused of allowing an enforcement team to demand monthly ”protection money” from operators of public utility vehicles.
Meanwhile, LTFRB officer Gerald del Rio and 13 other employees were dismissed for grave misconduct for accepting money in exchange for the speedy issuance of certificates of public convenience to transport operators in Catanduanes and Masbate.