Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade on Thursday belied claims that he pushed for the resignation of Undersecretary Cesar Chavez, saying he was also surprised by Chavez's decision.
"For the record, and contrary to the insinuations of others, I did not cause or ask Usec. Cesar Chavez to resign,” he said in a text message to reporters.
Chavez earlier in the day tendered his irrevocable resignation citing "simple sense of delicadeza" amid the almost-daily glitches of the MRT3.
Still, Tugade said Chavez continues to have his full trust and confidence.
"He has my full trust and confidence. We have been doing plans and strategies together, up and until yesterday. Even by texts as I was on sickbay. That is why
I am surprised by the very sudden turn of events," he said.
In his resignation letter to President Rodrigo Duterte dated November 23, Chavez said he is quitting his post to give an "opportunity for the appointment of person better qualified to perform the duties and responsibilities of the subject office."
Chavez, who earlier vowed that the government will solve the issues of the MRT Line 3 "within three to six months," said that his resignation is effective immediately.
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has been in charge of the maintenance of the MRT3 after it terminated last November 6 its contract with Busan Universal Rail, Inc. (BURI), which covers the general overhauling of 43 Light Rail Vehicles (LRV), the total replacement of the signaling system, and other additional maintenance works.
Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque Jr. declined to comment on Chavez's resignation. On Wednesday, Roque announced that Chavez will join him in riding the MRT on Thursday morning.
Chavez announced his resignation in a press conference an hour before their scheduled MRT trip. KBK, GMA News
No comments:
Post a Comment