WHISTLEBLOWER Jeffrey Tumbado was under fire for his alleged inconsistencies during a House inquiry on Monday, October 23, 2023, leading to him being cited for contempt.

Tumbado was grilled by Congressmen for his failure to give substantial and consistent answers throughout the House Committee on Transportation’s motu proprio investigation of his corruption allegations in the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).

“Ayaw naming sayangin ang pagdinig na ito Mr. Tumbado kung ang sagot mo ay paganyan ganyan lang. Wala kaming panahon para sa’yo,” Sagip Party-list Rep. Rodante Marcoleta said when Tumbado could not clearly state his reason for recanting his statement and later withdrawing it.

“Sa totoo lang, sinayang mo ang oras ng bawat isang pumunta rito,” Marcoleta lashed out.

The lawmaker then continued to question Tumbado, asking him if the committee would still get something that would convince them to believe him and his reasons for recantation.

Tumbado responded, saying: Wala po kasi akong ebidensiya na direct evidences na magpapatunay na mapi-pinpoint po si Chairman Guadiz sa allegations na ‘to.

But he was promptly interrupted by Marcoleta, asking him if the committee could still get something worth their time from him.

The congressman tagged Tumbado’s behavior during the inquiry as “disrespectful,” stressing to him that the hearing “is not a joke.”

“I hope we are able to get something from him but we fail to do that,” he added.

Tumbado will be detained in Congress for a maximum of 10 days.

Tumbado, who served as Guadiz’ executive assistant, claimed that there are allegedly corruption schemes in the LTFRB and accused suspended LTFRB Chair Guadiz of being involved in schemes that seek money in exchange for franchises and alteration of routes.

He recanted his statement two days later, saying he had no personal knowledge of any corruption activity directly involving Guadiz.

Earlier, the “Magnificent 7”, comprised of transport groups PASANG MASDA, BUSINA, ALTODAP, ACTO, STOP & GO, UV EXPRESS, and LTOP, conducted a support rally for Chairman Guadiz. The major transport groups called on President Bongbong Marcos to reinstate Guadiz in order for him to continue his programs that benefit drivers and operators.