Bautista denies corruption allegations

Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Jaime Bautista denied the allegations hurled at him regarding corruption and inappropriate activities.

In addition, the agency noted that Bautista will file a formal complaint against those who continue to spread lies to malign his reputation.

“I am saddened by the baseless allegations being thrown at me that I am involved in corruption. Please allow me to categorically say that I never accepted any money or favor since assuming the post of Transportation Secretary. When I took the helm of [the> Department of Transportation, I vowed to serve the country and the Filipino people with integrity, which to me is more precious than any material wealth,” Bautista said.

“I intend to strongly defend the truth and my name, so I plan to file the appropriate formal complaint against whoever has been maligning me. While these allegations might have distracted us from our work, I vehemently deny involvement in any corruption or inappropriate activities,” he added.

Further, members of the Vehicle Inspection Center Operators Association of the Philippines (VICOAP) expressed their support for Bautista amid issues surrounding the transport agency.

In a letter addressed to the transport chief, the VICOAP said its members acknowledge Bautista’s commitment to modernize and improve the transport sector in the Philippines.

“Your vision and dedication to this cause have not only inspired us but have also paved the way for significant progress within the sector,” wrote VICOAP.

“We firmly believe in your integrity and the sincerity of your mission, and we stand by you as you continue to champion these objectives,” it added.

The organization also commended Bautista for the positive and transformative impact of the transport bureau’s modernization program.

Likewise, several leaders of various transport groups have thrown their support to suspended Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Chair Teofilo Guadiz III. The heads of the said organizations added that they will not join the supposed nationwide transport strike scheduled on October 16.

To note, Bautista has appointed Attorney Mercy Paras Leynes as Officer-in-Charge-Chairperson for the LTFRB.

Among those who took part in supporting Guadiz were leaders of the Liga ng Transportasyon at Operators sa Pilipinas President Orlando Marquez, Alliance of Concerned Transport Organization National President Liberty Deluna, Pasang Masda President Ka-Obet Martin, Altodap President Melencio Vargas, Stop-n-Go President Zaldy Ping-ay, and Federation of Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines President Jephraim Gochangco.

“Bilang mga grupo na matagal nang sumubok sa serbisyo ng LTFRB, nananatiling buo ang aming paniniwala at suporta kay LTFRB Chairman Guadiz na hindi nagkulang sa pagbalangkas ng mga proyekto, programa at hakbang para sa aming mga ordinaryong operator at tsuper (As groups that have tried the LTFRB service for a long time, our faith and support remain intact in LTFRB Chairman Guadiz who has not failed to outline projects, programs and measures for our ordinary operators and drivers),” they commented.

Photos from Department of Transportation - Philippines, Vehicle Inspection Center Operators Association of the Philippines, and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board - LTFRB, screenshot from Department of Transportation - Philippines

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