MANILA, Philippines — Antipolo 2nd District Representative Romeo Acop believes the former Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) employee, who accused suspended LTFRB chair Teofilo Guadiz of corruption, may be involved in the corrupt practices in the agency.
Acop made this claim on Monday as the House committee on transportation investigated the allegations of former LTFRB executive assistant Jeff Tumbado.
The lawmaker heads the panel.
He grilled Tumbado on the former employee’s allegations that Guadiz was supposedly asking for bribe money from transport groups that were applying for new franchises or alteration of routes.
Tumbado suddenly invoked his right against self-incrimination.
For Acop, the witness would not invoke this type of protection if he himself was not also involved in the crime.
“Yong binabanggit na sa messaging, sa spliced na sinasabi mo, ay ‘seven cooperatives of UV transport in Region three,” the lawmaker began.
(The things mentioned in the messaging, which you said was spliced, stated that ‘seven cooperatives of UV transport in Region three.)
“105 units changed from Hi-ace to high roof in the amount of P5 million,’ hindi rin totoo ito. Gawa-gawa mo?” Acop asked Tumbado.
(This is also not true. You made this up?)
“Mr. Chair, I invoke my right against self-incrimination,” Tumbado replied.
“Alam mo, bibigay ka rin pala eh. You are invoking your right to remain silent dahil ‘yon ang k’wan ng iyong lawyer,” Acop observed.
(You know,...
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