The resignation of Department of Transportation (DOTr) Undersecretary for Rails Cesar Chavez in the middle of problems pestering the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) “shocked” and baffled a progressive group on Thursday.
“We are shocked over the sudden resignation of DoTr Usec Cesar Chavez. He has been consistent in exposing the anomalies in various MRT contracts,” Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) Secretary General Renato Reyes said in a statement.
READ: DOTr Usec. Cesar Chavez resigns over MRT-3 mess
“He has worked with commuter groups and advocates and has opened the bidding processes to independent observers,” Reyes added.
According to Reyes, the resignation of Chavez makes no sense citing the DOTr executive’s commendable efforts in the agency, especially after the termination of the DOTr’s contract with maintenance provider Busan Universal Rail Inc. (BURI).
“Was he eased out and forced to resign because he won’t kowtow to certain vested interests?” Reyes asked.
“We had hoped that he would lead the government efforts to maintain the train line as opposed to private contractors,” he added.
Reyes said the resignation of Chavez “does not bode well for the agency and may be reflective of conflicts within the office.” /kga