BAGUIO CITY — The Baguio-Benguet Jeepney Federation defended Department of Transportation (DoTr) -Cordillera regional director Glenn Dumlao against payola allegations raised by transport group Manibela, calling the corruption claims groundless.

Federation president Wilson Bumay-et Jr. said local transport operators have experienced no corruption in their dealings with the agency, casting doubt on assertions made by Manibela leader Mar Valbuena.

Bumay-et announced that the federation plans to submit a formal statement of support for Dumlao, describing the regional director as accessible and responsive to sector concerns.

According to the federation, Dumlao regularly meets with local transport representatives to discuss operational issues, including temporary fare adjustment requests.

Bumay-et challenged Valbuena to present concrete evidence or file a formal complaint with proper authorities, suggesting the claims may stem from attempts to remove Dumlao from office.

He stressed that disputes within the transport sector should be handled through official legal channels rather than unverified statements.

Dumlao previously denied the allegations, stating that Valbuena himself is the subject of an internal Department of Transportation inquiry. The regional director suggested the payola claims were intended to divert attention from that ongoing investigation.

Details regarding the specific nature of the inquiry into Valbuena have not been disclosed. Local transport groups said they are monitoring the situation while advocating for administrative stability in the regional office.