Abaya: ‘Just one text from the President, I can go anytime’

DOTC Sec. Joseph Emilio Abaya. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Facing calls for his ouster over the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) mishap last week, Transportation and Communications Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya said Wednesday that he could resign anytime if that would be the decision of President Benigno Aquino III.

“Pribilehiyo po sa akin ang magsilbi sa ilalim ng Pangulo at magsilbi sa bayan. Anytime, I can go. Isang text lang ng Pangulo na ‘Jun, time is up.’ then I will be forever grateful for this opportunity,” said Abaya over Radyo Inquirer 990 AM.

(It is my privilege to serve the President and to serve the country. Anytime, I can go. One text from the President saying, ‘Jun, time is up.’ then I will be forever grateful for this opportunity.)

Although he is open to resigning from his post, Abaya said that yielding to calls for his ouster was tantamount to the abandonment of his responsibilities and a disservice to his superiors.

“But then again, I don’t also abandon my superiors, I don’t abandon my responsibilities,” Abaya said.

Commuter group Riles Network staged a protest on Wednesday at MRT North Avenue Station calling for the ouster of Abaya, stating that it is the only way that the public could exact accountability from the MRT mishap.

An MRT train skidded and overshot the tracks at the MRT Taft Avenue Station last week injuring 38 passengers.

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