By Ellson Quismorio and Hannah Torregoza
The commuting public can expect, not an improvement, but an even worse MRT service.
Bayan Muna Party-List Rep. Carlos Zarate said this shortly after Department of Transportation (DOTr) Undersecretary for Railways Cesar Chavez announced his irrevocable resignation today, November 23.
Even as he called Chavez’s exit unfortunate, Zarate claims it was not a surprise “considering the powerful economic and political interests that Chavez stepped into while addressing the rotten and derailed Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) system.”
“The MRT/LRT problem is now emblematic of the grave and utter failure of the government’s onerous privatization program and abandonment of its primary role and control of our public mass transportation system,” the solon further said.
The MRT3, with an average daily ridership of 500,000, will mark 18 years of operation next month. It runs from North Avenue in Quezon City to Taft Avenue in Pasay City.
Zarate was joined by several senators in praising Chavez for his openness and willingness to consult with stakeholders on how to best tackle problems pertaining to the rail systems.
Senator Grace Poe, chair of the Senate committee on public services, hopes the President would soon find the person who can handle the beleaguered post.
Poe said she “admires” Chavez’ sense of delicadeza “although I doubt that that is the only reason that prompted him to resign. He seemed to be one of the DOTr officials who was determined to fully address all the issues plaguing the MRT.”
Sen. Joel Villanueva agreed with Poe when she said Chavez has been on the frontline uncovering anomalies in the MRT. “His sudden resignation surprised us,” Villanueva said, adding, “We admire Usec Chavez for his honesty and humility to be accountable for the recent MRT problems. “
Sen. Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito also lamented Chavez’ decision to quit as he considers him as one of the more passionate DOTr officials especially on railway projects.
“We may find ourselves back to zero again whoever gets appointed as the new replacement,” Ejercito said. “I expect delays and more problems especially during the transition.”
“Problem is, we do not really have rail or tech experts who can take over,” he added.
For Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian, Chavez is a big loss “considering that he had been upfront and straightforward with the problems that surround the department.”
“DOTr urgently needs a good communicator to explain to us, the public about their plans and solutions to improve the traffic situation of the country,” he said.
Meanwhile, Sen. Nancy Binay urged Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade to step in and immediately appoint Chavez’ replacement.
In a statement, Binay said, “The MRT is a vital component of Metro Manila’s transportation network and we owe the commuting public an uninterrupted service to them.”
The commuting public can expect, not an improvement, but an even worse MRT service.
Bayan Muna Party-List Rep. Carlos Zarate said this shortly after Department of Transportation (DOTr) Undersecretary for Railways Cesar Chavez announced his irrevocable resignation today, November 23.
Even as he called Chavez’s exit unfortunate, Zarate claims it was not a surprise “considering the powerful economic and political interests that Chavez stepped into while addressing the rotten and derailed Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) system.”
“The MRT/LRT problem is now emblematic of the grave and utter failure of the government’s onerous privatization program and abandonment of its primary role and control of our public mass transportation system,” the solon further said.
The MRT3, with an average daily ridership of 500,000, will mark 18 years of operation next month. It runs from North Avenue in Quezon City to Taft Avenue in Pasay City.
Zarate was joined by several senators in praising Chavez for his openness and willingness to consult with stakeholders on how to best tackle problems pertaining to the rail systems.
Senator Grace Poe, chair of the Senate committee on public services, hopes the President would soon find the person who can handle the beleaguered post.
Poe said she “admires” Chavez’ sense of delicadeza “although I doubt that that is the only reason that prompted him to resign. He seemed to be one of the DOTr officials who was determined to fully address all the issues plaguing the MRT.”
Sen. Joel Villanueva agreed with Poe when she said Chavez has been on the frontline uncovering anomalies in the MRT. “His sudden resignation surprised us,” Villanueva said, adding, “We admire Usec Chavez for his honesty and humility to be accountable for the recent MRT problems. “
Sen. Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito also lamented Chavez’ decision to quit as he considers him as one of the more passionate DOTr officials especially on railway projects.
“We may find ourselves back to zero again whoever gets appointed as the new replacement,” Ejercito said. “I expect delays and more problems especially during the transition.”
“Problem is, we do not really have rail or tech experts who can take over,” he added.
For Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian, Chavez is a big loss “considering that he had been upfront and straightforward with the problems that surround the department.”
“DOTr urgently needs a good communicator to explain to us, the public about their plans and solutions to improve the traffic situation of the country,” he said.
Meanwhile, Sen. Nancy Binay urged Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade to step in and immediately appoint Chavez’ replacement.
In a statement, Binay said, “The MRT is a vital component of Metro Manila’s transportation network and we owe the commuting public an uninterrupted service to them.”
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