Guadiz changes mind on Tumbado libel raps

Former Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board chairperson Teofilo Guadiz III recently disclosed that he will no longer file a libel case against his former aide Jefferson Tumbado over accusations of corruption in the agency during his time.

In a statement, the former LTFRB chief stressed that he has already forgiven Tumbado after the latter profusely apologized to him and recanted his allegations.

"He apologized to me repeatedly after realizing his mistake," said Guadiz. "I will not file libel charges against him. Jeffrey already said sorry and for me, that's more than enough."

Guadiz explained that Tumbado got mad at him after he got demoted due to his attitude problem at work, adding that his former aide had just "concocted the charges of corruption against him out of spite."

"Disgruntled with his demotion, he made these accusations against me," Guadiz said.

Previously, Philippine National Railway chairperson Ted Macapagal said that those alleging corruption in the LTFRB had even dragged the name of the President and Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista, hoping that the DoTR chief would be relieved from his post.

"I never saw this coming. I treated him as if he was part of my family. I needed time to process it. I was so shocked because I know that I did nothing wrong," Guadiz said.

He added that Tumbado apologized to him the day after he made the allegation and again after he recanted his claim.

"He was very sorry. I then told him that I have forgiven him already," Guadiz said.

Various transport groups have released a manifesto of support for the ex-LTFRB chief.

Guadiz maintained that he respects the decision of President Bongbong Marcos to suspend him.

Nonetheless, he said he would just continue working hard as he has done in the last 23 years should the President reinstate him.

In his recantation, Tumbado said his allegations were "borne out of impulse, irrational thinking, misjudgment, poor decision making and was encouraged by some individuals to make the statement."