Regional director, two others suspended
(Eagle News)–The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board has dismissed 14 employees from its Bicol regional office due to alleged corruption.
The LTFRB said also suspended from the Regional Franchising and Regulatory Office Region V were Director Vladimir Kahulugan, and employees Andres Tabunda and Arnel Sabello.
The LTFRB said Kahulugan was charged with grave misconduct, gross neglect of duty, and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the public.
Tabunda and Sabello, on the other hand, were charged with falsification of documents and for deliberately tampering and falsifying the minutes of deliberation in relation to the appointments of some LTFRB Region V personnel.
According to the LTFRB, the charges stem from verified reports of cash solicitations of a “Mark Sumulong” from operators with pending cases.
Kahulugan, the LTFRB said, was also allowing his enforcement team to demand monthly “protection” money from Public Utility Vehicle operators.
“We are undertaking all necessary measures to reassure the public of LTFRB’s commitment to good governance,” LTFRB Martin Delgra III said, as he urged the public to report anyone engaged in illegal activities from their ranks.
“The fight against graft and corruption is an ongoing battle. We will not hesitate to rid anyone caught disobeying the law,” Delgra added.
Earlier, the LTFRB formally dismissed, Gerard del Rio, an officer of the LTFRB office in Region V, for grave misconduct for allegedly accepting cash with the promise of the speedy issuance of Certificate of Public Convenience to PUV operators based in Catanduanes and in Masbate.
The LTFRB also ordered the dismissal of 13 other job order employees in relation to the cases filed.
