Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur P. Tugade has ordered the preventive suspension of Samuel Jardin, Executive Director of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), over allegations of corruption.
The preventive suspension will last for a period of 90 days.
Along with the order issued yesterday, 03 April 2019, a formal charge has been filed against 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.
The formal charge alleges that Jardin solicited money amounting to PhP4.8 million in exchange for facilitating and granting the application for a Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC).
As part of the internal investigation of the DOTr, Jardin is required to submit a Verified Answer, including documentary evidence, within three days from receipt of the formal charge.
Secretary Tugade 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 on Tuesday, 02 April 2019, the transportation chief 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.
The transportation department wholly supports the campaign of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte against graft and corruption, and shall not hesitate to exercise its full power and authority to rid its ranks of errant officials and employees.
