By CNN Philippines, April 4 2019

http://cnnphilippines.com/news/2019/4/4/LTFRB-Samuel-Jardin-suspended-corruption-.html

Image Credit to CNN Philippines

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 1) — A ranking official of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has been suspended for 90 days over corruption allegations, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said Thursday.

The agency said in a statement that Executive Director Samuel Jardin is facing charges of grave misconduct, for “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 for conduct “prejudicial to the best interest of service.”

Jardin allegedly solicited ₱4.8 million in exchange for the grant of a Certificate of Public Convenience, or the permit to operate.

“Secretary (Arthur) 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,” the department said in a statement.

Tugade on Wednesday said two high-ranking officials would be meted out with suspension orders over corruption allegations. The DOTr statement did not name the other official.

“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 agency said.

“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,” it added.

In a separate statement, the LTFRB said it will comply with the ongoing investigation.

“We leave it to DOTr to resolve the matter quickly, objectively and fairly,” the agency said in a statement. “Kung may sala, kasuhan at tanggalin sa serbisyo, kung wala naman (if he was at fault, charge him and dismiss him from service. If he’s not guilty), dismiss the case on the merits and restore his dignity.”

“Our unyielding campaign against corruption would come to naught if we are to relax our firm resolve to address corruption in the agency.”

Duterte appointed Jardin as LTFRB executive director in March 2018.