Tulfo to reopen Senate probe into unused MRT trains

FILE PHOTO: Sen. Raffy Tulfo. (Bibo Nueva España/Senate PRIB)

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Raffy Tulfo is planning to reopen the investigation on the unused Dalian trains for the Manila Metro Rail Transit (MRT) System.

Tulfo, who chairs the Senate committee on public services, inspected the 48 Dalian trains that were contracted from China in 2014 even if they are not compatible with the MRT System.

“Pagkatapos ng recess, mag-hearing tayo and then invite natin ‘yang Dalian, para malaman natin kung ano ‘yung pupuntahan,” he said.

(After the recess, let’s have a hearing and then invite Dalian, so we know where it goes.)

READ: Nancy Binay presses Tugade to decide on useless China-made MRT trains

Transport Assistant Secretary for Railways Jorgette Aquino said during the inspection that the contract to obtain the incompatible Dalian trains was approved by then-Transport Undersecretary Julianito Bucayan Jr. and then-Project Manager Deo Manalo.

Aquino also said it was Joseph Emilio Jun Abaya, former chief of the then-Department of Transportation and Communications, who drafted the contract for the acquisition of the trains during the Aquino administration.

READ: Ex-Transport Sec. Abaya sued over unusable trains deal

The transport official for railways further noted that although cases were filed against the ex-transport officials in connection with the unused trains, the cases were dismissed.

Tulfo, however, said dismissed cases may be refiled.