MMDA chief accuses 3 bus firms of payola

At least three bus firms had been giving monthly payoffs to unscrupulous Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) personnel, the agency's newly appointed chairman, Francis Tolentino, said Thursday. A report in GMA News' "24 Oras" identified the bus companies as St. Rose Bus Lines, Baliwag Transit, and Five Star Transit. Citing information from Tolentino, the report said St. Rose and Baliwag paid MMDA personnel P20,000 every month, while Five Star paid P30,000 monthly.

Tolentino said he may recommend to the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) corresponding sanctions for these bus firms. "My mandate here is to make the MMDA a model agency," Tolentino said. Baliwag has denied the allegation, the television report said. St. Rose and Five Star, meanwhile, have yet to issue an official statement regarding Tolentino's accusation. - KBK, GMANews.TV