The executive director of Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has been suspended after Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur Tugade ordered a preventive suspension over allegations of corruption.
The formal charge alleges that Atty. Samuel A.M. Jardin solicited money amounting to P4.8 million in exchange for facilitating and granting the application for a Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC).
According to DOTr’s press statement, along with the order issued last April 3, a formal charge has been filed against Atty. 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.
As part of the internal investigation of the DOTr, Jardin is required to submit a Verified Answer, including documentary evidence, within 3 days from receipt of the formal charge. The Transportation chief strongly reiterates that any corrupt deed, or the perception thereof, in the ranks of the DOTr offices and attached agencies will not be tolerated.
During the DOTr flag raising ceremony at the central office in Clark, Pampanga last Tuesday, Tugade announced that two high-ranking officials, then unnamed, will be meted orders of preventive suspension for alleged involvement in corruption.
The DOTr resounds its stern warning that disciplinary action shall come swift and unrelenting to any official or employee, no matter the rank, for the slightest hint of corruption. Meanwhile, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) issued a official statement on the preventive suspension of Executive Director Atty. Samuel A.M Jardin.
“We leave it to DOTr to resolve the matter quickly, objectively and fairly. Kung may sala, kasuhan at tanggalin sa serbisyo. Kung wala naman, dismiss the case on the merits and restore his dignity,” Chairman Martin Delgra III said.
Delgra mentioned that LTFRB remains steadfast in its commitment to President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s unrelenting campaign against corruption and in upholding the integrity of the institution.
“I certainly don’t condone corruption in the LTFRB, more so that I have put so much stake in having to address the issue since assumption into office in July 2016,” explained Delgra.
The preventive suspension was issued on April 3 and will last for a period of 90 days.
Here’s the actual order of preventive suspension and formal charge of DOTr:
