KICKBACK MULA SA MGA TOURIST VANS? MANIBELA chief renews call for probe into alleged ‘payola’ at DOTr-CAR

BAGUIO CITY — MANIBELA president Mario “Mar” Valbuena Jr. has renewed his call for an investigation into allegations of a “payola” scheme involving personnel of the Department of Transportation-Cordillera Administrative Region (DOTr-CAR).

In a video message posted on the MANIBELA Facebook page on September 17, 2026, Valbuena again called on DOTr Secretary Giovanni “Banoy” Lopez to investigate the allegations and take appropriate action against officials or personnel found involved.

Valbuena’s latest statement followed remarks from PBGen. Glenn G. Dumlao (Ret.), DOTr-CAR regional director, who earlier urged him to be more decent, orderly and measured when making allegations, saying he may not know where his statements could lead.

Valbuena said he was willing to give Dumlao an opportunity to explain the allegations rather than respond with what he described as threats. He challenged the regional director to support an investigation into the accusations involving his personnel.

He also challenged Dumlao to state whether he had received even a small amount of money in connection with the matters being raised by MANIBELA.

Valbuena further claimed that he had received letters, affidavits and other documents related to the allegations and that these had already been forwarded to Lopez for appropriate action.

One of the allegations involves the reported collection of money from drivers and operators of tourist vans traveling to Baguio City. In an earlier report, Valbuena alleged that a trusted aide of Dumlao was receiving substantial “payola” payments and suggested that some of the money could be reaching higher officials.

These remain allegations and have not been established as facts.

Valbuena also questioned the reported plans of some tourist vans to apply for amnesty, saying he wanted authorities to clarify the circumstances surrounding the process.

He urged Lopez to temporarily remove officials allegedly involved while an investigation is conducted, saying this would help ensure transparency and an impartial inquiry.

Valbuena likewise expressed concern over what he described as threats to his safety. Despite this, he said he would continue raising the issues he believes should be investigated.

Dumlao denies allegation, calls for fact-finding

Dumlao earlier responded to Valbuena’s accusations, saying he found the allegations against him unfortunate, particularly because he also advocates an anti-corruption campaign. He said public officials naturally face scrutiny but suggested that Valbuena should have approached him first so the concerns could be discussed and verified.

Dumlao said he remains open to concerns raised by transport groups and considers responding to them part of his responsibility.

He also appealed to Valbuena to be orderly and measured in making allegations, stressing that statements against public officials can have consequences.

The dispute comes amid MANIBELA’s broader complaints involving transportation regulation and alleged abuses in the sector. The group has previously raised allegations concerning a “payola” culture involving transportation agencies, including the DOTr and LTFRB.

As of September 18, the allegations raised by Valbuena remain subject to verification and investigation by the appropriate authorities.