Transportation Secretary Jaime J. Bautista has appointed Atty. Mercy Paras Leynes as the new acting officer in charge of the beleaguered Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board or LTFRB, whose previous chief was recently suspended due to allegations of corruption.

Bautista formalized Leynes' appointment, a former LTFRB board member, through Special Order No. 2023-353 signed on 10 October. Her appointment will be valid until 9 October 2024.

"She shall perform and discharge all the functions and responsibilities of the office, unless otherwise earlier amended or superceded," the Special Order read.

Likewise, it said: "She shall be entitled to all benefits and allowances accruing to the position, except the basic salary, charged against available LTFRB budget, subject to existing budgeting, accounting, and auditing laws, rules, and regulations."