Gatchalian: Transport, MRT3 bosses accountable too

MANILA, Philippines – A lawmaker on Friday, August 22, insisted officials of the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) and the Metro Rail Transit 3 (MRT3) should also be held accountable for the August 13 mishap that resulted in the injury of at least 36 passengers.

One of the MRT3’s train bulldozed though a train station’s safety barriers, injuring passengers. An internal probe later revealed that the mishap was caused by human error and “gross negligence” on the part of two train drivers and two other personnel.

In a statement, Valenzuela City Representative Sherwin Gatchalian said the DOTC and MRT3 top brass should follow the lead of Malaysia’s Datuk Azhar Abdul Hamid, who resigned following a site incident which resulted in the death of at least one worker.

“There would not be a ‘human error’ on the part of personnel if the management is doing its job of keeping the trains safe for the riding public,” said Gatchalian.

The DOTC is headed by Secretary Jun Abaya, who, despite calls for him to resign, continues to enjoy the confidence of President Benigno Aquino III. The MRT3, meanwhile, is managed by Light Rail Transit Authority Administrator and MRT3 officer-in-charge Honorito Chaneco.

An MRT3 General Manager has yet to be appointed since the sacking and eventual resignation of Al Vitangcol over allegations of extortion involving a Czech company, Inekon.

New maintenance contractor?

Gatchalian, who is vice chair of the House committee on Metro Manila development, said key to preventing mishaps in the future was to make sure train lines are well maintained. The MRT3 is currently maintained by Autre Porte Technique Global Incorporated (APT).

Prior to that, the system was maintained by PH Trams CB & T joint venture, MRTC and Japanese firm Sumitomo Corporation.

Gatchalian said a new contractor should be hired, following news reports quoting Abaya as saying APT’s contract would be expanded due to a lack of other choices.

But earlier, Abaya said the DOTC will be bidding out the 3-year maintenance contract for the MRT3 within the month.

The Valenzuela representative also pushed for the hiring of a private contractor to manage the train. “A private firm will deliver high-quality services because it will be fined and be replaced anytime if it does comply with the agreed performance metrics,” he said. – Bea Cupin/Rappler.com