THE so-called Magnificent 7–comprised of Pasang Masda, Busina, ALTODAP, ACTO, STOP & GO, UV EXPRESS and LTOP—have thrown their full support for former Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Chairman Teofilo Guadiz III in front of the LTFRB’s Central Office in Quezon City last Oct. 20.

The major transport groups, which make up 95% of the country’s transport sector, urged President Bongbong Marcos to reinstate Chairman Guadiz, attesting to his credibility and competence as chief of the LTFRB.

“Bilang mga grupo na matagal nang sumubok sa serbisyo ng LTFRB, nananatiling buo ang aming paniniwala at suporta kay LTFRB Chairman Atty. Teofilo Guadiz III na hindi nagkulang sa pagbalangkas ng mga proyekto, programa at hakbang para sa aming mga ordinaryong operator at tsuper,” the joint support statement of the transport groups stated.

“Mapagpakumbaba naming hinihimok si Pangulong Marcos na pakinggan ang tinig ng nakararami at ibalik si Chairman Guadiz para ipagpatuloy niya ang kanyang mga programa at proyekto para sa aming mga operator at mga tsuper,” they added.

The joint statement of the seven major groups was signed by their respective presidents and representatives.

The “Magnificent 7” has also cautioned the public from believing the accusations against Guadiz as they came from someone with “questionable credibility,” referring to a certain Jeffrey Tumbade.

To recall, Tumbade quickly recanted his baseless allegations against Guadiz after realizing fabricating such baseless allegations were wrong.

Chairman Guadiz, according to STOP & GO, is “actually one of the saving graces of the BBM administration.”

“The STOP & GO TRANSPORT COALITION can attest to the integrity, dedication and sincerity of Chairman Guadiz in attending to all issues and concerns of different transport groups in particular and the public in general,” it added.

During a recent television interview, Guadiz said that he has already forgiven Tumbado and will no longer press libel charges against him.

He said that his former aide has repeatedly asked for his forgiveness after fabricating lies to besmirch his reputation.

The LTFRB chairman has also revealed that Tumbado got mad at him after he was demoted due to his “attitude problem.”

On October 11, Tumbado recanted his allegations against Guadiz, saying everything he said were “borne out of impulse, irrational thinking, misjudgment, poor decision making and was encouraged by some individuals to make the statement…”

President Marcos ordered the suspension of Guadiz over the baseless allegations of Tumbado on Oct. 9, pending a probe if there is any truth in the accusations.