Roque: Gov’t cries for solution to provide reliable MRT system

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque
INQUIRER FILE PHOTO / JOAN BONDOC

Malacañang on Tuesday assured the riding public that the government is “crying for solution” to provide a “better Metro Rail Transit” services amid the series of technical problems that hit the mass rail system.

“We accept the challenge. We are moving forward and we promise better MRT to our riding public,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a Palace briefing.

Following the filing of plunder charges against former officials of the Transportation Department, Roque said the government remains committed to hold liable those who failed to address the problems of the MRT-3.

READ: DOTr sues former Aquino cabinet men for plunder over MRT-3 mess

“We must stress that the great suffering of the riding public as result of the failure to deliver on the responsibilities of public office, such as the case of the current state of the MRT-3 system, carries consequences and that those accountable will be held liable,” he said.

Roque’s statement came after the Department of Transportation (DOTr) filed on Tuesday a plunder complaint against former Cabinet members during the Aquino administration, including former Interior Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas II and Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio “Jun” Abaya, over the alleged anomalous maintenance contract for MRT-3.

“We’re crying for a solution and we’re crying for a quick solution and I’m sure that Secretary Tugade and Usec. Chavez are really taking all the necessary steps,” he said.

Roque said Transportation Secretary Artur Tugade assured him “that they are going to procure a reliable maintenance contractor” and build new rails.

“They’re buying new train cars and new signaling system. They are in other words revamping almost completely the MRT,” he said.

President Rodrigo Duterte had earlier asked apologies to the public for the recent MRT glitches.

Last week, an MRT train car got detached on the northbound section between Ayala and Buendia stations, off-loading at least 130 passengers.

READ: MRT train detachment probe stumped by ‘messma’ mystery

The incident happened two days after a female passenger’s arm was severed in a freak accident at the Ayala station.

READ: Woman loses right arm in accident at MRT-3 Ayala station

“This is not an excuse actually. We offer no excuse, but apologies maybe to the public for the inconvenience caused,” Duterte said.

Despite the series of MRT glitches and calls for Tugade’s resignation, Malacañang said Tugade remains in his post.

“The President has said he will back up Secretary Tugade in whatever he may need to effect immediate reform of the MRT,” Roque said. /jpv