Grace Poe favors MRT-3 privatization; JV Ejercito says review needed

FILE PHOTO: Senator Grace Poe and Senator JV Ejercito

MANILA, Philippines — Two senators expressed their views on the privatization of the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) on Thursday.

Senator Grace Poe said that she is in favor of the privatization, citing the “seamless” operations of Japan’s train systems and the “more efficient” operations of the country’s Light Rail Transit Line 1 — both are run privately.

“I agree that the MRT operations should be privatized. As we’ve seen in the past, political interventions have caused more problems and inefficiencies to the MRT operations.

“The concession should be transparent and scrutinized properly. Fairly awarded through public bidding, to a competent and financially viable company, with a track record of providing efficient service and knowledge in train and public transport operations,” Poe, chairperson of the Senate panel on public services, said in a statement.

The government, Poe added, should have “some control in determining the fare matrix to prevent prohibitive and unfair price surges.”

Meanwhile, Senator JV Ejercito said there is a need to study the plan.

“Well, tignan natin (let’s see). We have to review also, we have to see, we have to make sure that it’s advantageous to the government and the riding public as well,” he said in an interview at the Senate.

Ejercito, however, pointed out that the government’s control may help in fare regulation.

He further said that the government should participate in the improvement, expansion, and maintenance of the rail line.

The Department of Transportation earlier said that it is considering the privatization of MRT-3’s operations and maintenance “not only to enhance efficiency and safety but also to reduce operational cost to be able to maintain affordable fares.“

JMS/abc