Binay camp urges Abaya to quit over MRT mess

THE camp of Vice President Jejomar Binay is asking for the resignation of Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya for the problems hounding the overburdened Metro Rail Transit-3 (MRT-3).

Lawyer Rico Quicho, Binay’s spokesperson for political affairs, said that Abaya’s resignation is a vindication for Filipinos who endure riding the trains every day.

“As you have already hinted that we provide a solution to the issue, the best advice we can give is for you to resign, Secretary Abaya, and leave the problem to competent people who are better-suited to the job…Consider this your contribution to the Filipino people’s salvation from an apathetic and inefficient government,” Quicho said in a statement on Sunday.

Quicho said that awarding four contracts to various companies for the maintenance of the MRT-3 will only amount to failure.

“You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to realize that you don’t give short-term contracts to four different entities to handle a complex process,” he said.

The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) last month awarded four contracts which it said will improve the train system’s rail tracks and permanent ways, buildings and facilities.

The lawyer said that the DOTC should have not canceled its contract with Sumitomo and Mitsubishi for the maintenance of the train system.

“The correct action is to give the maintenance contract back to Sumitomo and Mitsubishi who have proven their ability to do the job. No search for the cheapest company, or one owned by party mates from LP [Liberal Party]. Just choose the proven and competent company. And do it fast,” Quicho said.

In his “true” State of the Nation Address, Binay said that the MRT-3 symbolizes the “palpak” (bumbling) and “manhid” (insensitive) Aquino administration.

“Napakahabang pila, sirang escalators at mabahong kubeta, kakaunti at siksikang bagon. Tuwing sasakay ang mga pasahero, ang taimtim nilang dasal: sana huwag magka-aberya, sana makauwi kami ng buhay,” Binay said.

(Long lines, broken escalators, stinking toilets, crowded trains. Every time commuters ride the MRT, they hope that they could return to their homes safely.)

RELATED STORIES

DOTC awards MRT-3 deals to 4 new maintenance providers

FULL TEXT: VP Jejomar Binay’s ‘True State of the Nation Address’

RELATED VIDEOS