DoTC denies manipulation of events in MRT maintenance

Department of Transportation and Communications Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya. Joseph Vidal/PRIB

The Department of Transportation and Communications (DoTC) on Thursday said it has consistently complied with procurement laws amid allegations that it has manipulated events related to the maintenance of the controversial Metro Rail Transit (MRT-3).

“The Department of Transportation and Communications has consistently stated that it strictly complies with procurement laws, including those concerning Metro Rail Transit Line 3’s (MRT-3) maintenance requirements'” the agency said in a statement.

Former MRT general manager Al Vitangcol III on Thursday said presidential bet Manuel “Mar” Roxas and current Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya should also be held liable for the anomalous MRT-3 maintenance contract.

“I am the only DoTC official charged by the Ombudsman despite the unmistakable knowledge, involvement, participation and instruction of my superiors in the DoTC headed by former Secretary Manuel ‘Mar’ Roxas, current DoTC Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya, Undersecretary for Legal Affairs Atty. Jose Perpetuo Lotilla and Undersecretary Rene Limcaoco,” said Vitangcol in his affidavit submitted to the Supreme Court.

READ: After graft rap due to MRT fiasco, Vitangcol pins down Abaya

But the DoTC said Vitangcol failed to disclose his relationship with one of the companies who joined the bidding.

“Insofar as former General Manager Vitangcol is concerned, the Office of the Ombudsman found impropriety in his failure to disclose his relationship with an officer of one of the companies which participated in a bid,” DoTC said. TVJ