Suspended LTFRB exec decries bribery claims

MANILA - Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Executive Director Samuel Jardin on Wednesday denied the allegation that he solicited P4.8-million for a franchise application. 

"Kasinungalingan yung affidavit niya [Michelle Sapangila] kaya hindi ako takot humarap sa 'yo at sa publiko kasi wala akong ginawang kalokohan dito," Jardin said on ANC's Headstart on Wednesday morning.

(Her affidavit is all lies, that's why I am not afraid to face you or the public because I know I didn't do anything wrong.)

• Suspended LTFRB exec slams 'fabricated' bribery claims

Jardin said he filed his answer last Friday and is just waiting for the notice of hearing to confront the complainant Michelle Sapangila.

He said he do not know Sapangila and maintained that her allegation against him is a "fabrication and total falsehood."

"Maybe someone wants my post. I would not know, may naririnig akong ganyang balita. Actually, my position is quite strategic because I chair a lot of committees na may malalaking business interests," he said.

In a sworn statement, Sapangila claimed that a certain "Madam Lolit" asked for the bribe that was to be split between Jardin and LTFRB Chairman Martin Delgra for the issuance of a Route Measured Capacity. 

• LTFRB executive director suspended over alleged P4.8-M bribe

Jardin has been suspended for 90 days to give way to an impartial investigation into the accusation. He, however, lamented that due process was not observed in serving his suspension. 

"Ang bilis nga. Nung natanggap ko nung April 2, yung notice to explain, walang complaint," he said. 

He was only provided with the formal charge, the preventive suspension order, and the complaint the following day when he went to the Department of Transportation (DoTR). Under the rules, he said, he should have been given 5 days to explain his side. 

"I would like to state for the record that under the law, the department secretary has no disciplinary authority over presidential appointees. We can be disciplined under the Office of the President," he said.

Nevertheless, Jardin is bent on clearing his name.

"I will meet the case head on. Again, I raise the issue of jurisdiction kasi pag walang authority (because if there’s authority), the whole proceeding is void," he said.