The head of Metro Rail Transit, Al Vitangcol III, went on leave leave amid allegations that he and some transportation officials demanded $30 million from the Czech train manufacturer Inekon Group in exchange for a guarantee that it would bag a contract for MRT Line 3. FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—Al Vitangcol III, head of Metro Rail Transit, went on leave amid allegations that he and some transportation officials demanded $30 million from the Czech train manufacturer Inekon Group in exchange for a guarantee that it would bag a contract for MRT Line 3.
Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya confirmed Monday night that Vitangcol had gone on leave to clear the way for an investigation.
Vitangcol, who did not respond to requests for comment on Monday, denied the allegations.
But his decision to go on leave came after Aquino gave misfits in his administration a tongue-lashing in his Sona to Congress.—Miguel R. Camus