DOTr welcomes Duterte’s move to fire Asec. Mark Tolentino 

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) welcomed on Monday the decision of President Rodrigo Duterte to fire its Assistant Secretary for Railways Mark Tolentino.

In a statement, the agency said that firing Tolentino was only right “due to questionable dealings and unfairly involving the first family with matters regarding the Mindanao Railway Project (MRP).”

READ: Duterte fires DOTr Asec Mark Tolentino

The DOTr also stressed that namedropping and seeking the assistance of Duterte, his family, or any other “influential individual,” either for government projects or for personal gain, would “never be tolerated.”

“The DOTr, under the leadership of Secretary Arthur Tugade, does not and will not tolerate such acts by its officials or employees,” the DOTr said.

“May this be a warning to all government officials and employees,” it added.

READ: DOTr exec ignites scandal over rail project

Likewise, the DOTr assured the public that the MRP was “on track and on schedule.” The project was a priority under the Duterte administration’s “Build, Build, Build” program.

“Phase 1 (Tagum-Davao-Digos) will be completed in 2021, without delays and without corruption,” it said. /ee