Palace official apologizes for ‘insensitive’ MRT remark

Natashya Gutierrez

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Malacañang encourages the public to send suggestions on improving the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) and asks for patience as the government awaits additional coaches

PATIENCE. Malacañang asks commuters for understanding as the additional MRT coaches will arrive in early 2015. AFP file photo

MANILA, Philippines – As Metro Rail Transit (MRT) commuters grow increasingly frustrated by long lines and poor service, a Palace official apologized for the inconvenience caused by the train system, and an “insensitive” remark he inadvertently made that angered some of them.

The apology comes a day after netizens slammed Palace Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr for urging long-suffering MRT commuters to look for other transportation options, such as public buses. The comment was viewed as an insensitive remark. (READ: Commuters to Coloma: Why not take the bus yourself?)

“We are asking for forgiveness and understanding from our countrymen for the sacrifice they endure day after day. While we wait for the arrival of new trains, the government continues to work hard to solve the problem,” Coloma said at a news briefing on Friday, April 11.

He added: “We also ask for forgiveness and understanding because there might have been a misimpression arising from that single answer,” referring to his earlier comment.

“I hope you understand [that comment] is not the core of my position because in past briefings, we always emphasize the importance of finding effective solutions to all these problems,” Coloma said.

He said he understands the challenge faced by commuters because he himself had taken the MRT, and had served the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC).

Coloma was DOTC undersecretary during the administration of the late President Corazon Aquino from 1989 to 1991, and supervised DOTC-attached agencies including the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA). Under the Estrada administration, he was DOTC undersecretary for finance and administration.

“I don’t always use private transportation. I’ve seen this problem before because I also had the chance to serve in the DOTC….So I don’t think it’s a stretch to say that we have an understanding of the day-to-day situation happening there,” he said.

MRT improvements

In recent weeks, furious commuters have demanded improvements in the MRT and even the resignation of MRT chief Al Vitangcol III. They questioned his competence and blamed him for the long lines suffered by commuters during rush hour, as well as periodic breakdowns in train operations. 

This, amid extortion allegations against Vitangcol which was said to mar the bidding process for new coaches. Vitangcol has denied all accusations and said he would heed the resignation calls after he is cleared by investigating bodies.

Meanwhile, the government continues to assure the public that additional trains are on the way to accommodate the ever-increasing MRT commuters.

Coloma also cited other government plans to improve MRT service, such as new infrastructure for the construction of additional lines up to MRT 7, and the extension of Line 1 to Cavite. He said new coaches for MRT-3 could be used by 2015.

To further placate commuters, Coloma said he is forwarding complaints and suggestions that he has received on the MRT issue, to the DOTC.

Among them, he said, is a suggestion to allow passengers “turn-arounds” or letting passengers stay in a train as it returns to its starting point. Another suggestion was to require performance targets from maintenance contractors.

“We will forward this suggestion on improving availability for consideration of the DOTC-MRT3 management,” Coloma said.

He  also encouraged the public to continue sending suggestions on how they can improve services, adding it is important for the administration “to know the true feelings of the people.” – Rappler.com

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Natashya Gutierrez

Natashya is President of Rappler. Among the pioneers of Rappler, she is an award-winning multimedia journalist and was also former editor-in-chief of Vice News Asia-Pacific. Gutierrez was named one of the World Economic Forum’s Young Global Leaders for 2023.