CLARK, PAMPANGA — The Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Monday served a 90-day suspension order against two top officials of its office in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), for alleged 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, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board Chairman Martin B. Delgra III, and Land Transportation Office Assistant Secretary Edgar Galvante, the DOTr filed formal charges and preventive suspension against DOTr-CAR Regional Director Jesus Eduardo Natividad and Assistant Regional Director Datu Mohammad Abbas.
According to reports evaluated by the department, Natividad allegedly demanded and accepted money in exchange for a favorable decision relative to applications for the issuance of Certificates of Public Convenience.
He is also being investigated for purportedly requiring district heads to give monthly remittances, the department said in a news release issued Tuesday.
Complaints say that apart from his frequent absences, Natividad likewise failed to perform his duty in the conduct of operations against illegally operating or “colorum” vehicles.
Meanwhile, Abbas reportedly extorted money in exchange for 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 emphasized 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 (The list of DOTr employees who will be fired will only lengthen unless you stop your illegal activities. Many heads have rolled. I will not hesitate to sack you because you are termites who destroy the image of loyal public servants),” said Tugade.
Since the transportation chief assumed office, a number of officials have been dismissed and others are being 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 (Whether you are an official or an ordinary employee, if you steal from the people or destroy the image of the department, you will not be spared),” added Tugade.
Natividad and Abbas were given 72 hours to submit verified answer pending formal investigation. If found guilty, they would be dismissed from service.
In the interim, an officer in charge will be installed by the DOTr management to ensure that the responsibilities of the vacated offices will be performed efficiently. (DOTr-PR/PNA)
