Tugade Suspends DOTr-CAR Top Officials for Alleged Corruption

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The Department of Transportation (DOTr), through Undersecretary for Legal Affairs and Procurement Reinier Paul Yebra, yesterday served a ninety (90) day suspension order against two (2) top officials of the DOTr-Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), who have allegedly committed grave misconduct, conduct prejudicial to the best interest of service and gross neglect of duty.

In separate letters served through Undersecretary for Road Transport and Infrastructure Tim Orbos, LTFRB Chairman Martin B. Delgra III, and LTO Assistant Secretary Edgar Galvante, the DOTr filed formal charges and imposed preventive suspension against DOTr-CAR Regional Director Atty. Jesus Eduardo Natividad and Assistant Regional Director Datu Mohammad Abbas. 

According to reports evaluated by DOTr, Natividad allegedly demanded and accepted money in exchange for a favorable decision relative to applications for the issuance of Certificates of Public Convenience (CPC). He is also being investigated for purportedly requiring district heads for monthly remittances.

Complaints say that apart from his frequent absences, the Regional Director likewise failed to perform his duty in the conduct of operations against colorum vehicles. 

Meanwhile, Abbas apparently extorted money in exchange of the release of impounded vehicles. A complaint was also filed against him by a certain Regina Migano for gun brandishing and toting.

Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade emphasizes his “ZERO TOLERANCE” for corruption in the Department.

“Hahaba at hahaba ang listahan ng mga masisibak sa Departamentong ito hangga’t hindi niyo itinitigil ang mga iligal na aktibidad. Maraming ulo na ang gumulong. Hindi ko kayo panghihinayangan lalo’t anay kayo na sumisira sa imahe ng mga tapat na naglilingkod sa gobyerno,” said Tugade.

Since the Transportation Chief assumed office, a number of officials were dismissed and others are being thoroughly investigated for involvement in corruption and other illegal activities.

“Opisyal o ordinaryong empleyado, kung magnanakaw sa taong bayan o sisira sa imahe ng buong departamento, pasensyahan talaga tayo,” Sec. Tugade added.

The respondents were given seventy two (72) hours to submit verified answer pending formal investigation. Further, the alleged violations of the two officials, if found guilty, will merit the penalty of dismissal from service.

In the interim, the DOTr Management shall designate Officers-In-Charge (OICs) to ensure that the responsibilities of the vacated offices will be efficiently performed.

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