Transport usec quits after MRT mishaps, blames previous admin
Transportation Undersecretary Cesar Chavez filed a resignation on Nov. 23, following the series of incidents in the MRT (Metro Rail Transit) and blamed the previous administration for the "indecisive" policy decisions regarding the transport system.
Chavez said the irregular 6-month contract for the last five years and the “indecisive” policy of the Aquino administration prevented the acquisition of spare parts needed for the MRT.
"Hindi ito pagpi-pinpoint kundi paglalahad lamang ng katotohanan [kung] bakit ganito na tayo," Chavez said.
Regarding the decoupling of the MRT trains, Chavez said: “"Nadali lang kami doon sa magkahiwalay na bagon at doon kami hinuhusgahan ng taumbayan at mananakay at tama lang 'yun. Pinananagutan namin kung anuman [ang] inconvenience doon."
He also criticized the previous administration for upgrading the signalling system to digital which he said made it “unimplementable.”
“So until the future of the MRT 3 is settled in a contract favorable to riders and the government, the present management cannot abdicate its duty to undertake maintenance and rehabilitation services that will ensure predictable service and passenger safety,” Chavez said.
He said the Australian government and railway specialists from the Asian Development Bank are anticipated to help while experts from Japan International Cooperation Agency are currently aiding the maintenance transition team.
'Critical impact' on the commuters
Regarding the issues faced by the MRT, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur Tugade said he was surprised at Chavez tendering his resignation.
"For the record, and contrary to the insinuations of others, I did not cause or ask Usec. Cesar Chavez to resign. He has my full trust and confidence," Tugade said in a statement.
Chavez also said they have been in contact with each other even through text messages until Nov. 22 for possible solutions but had no idea Chavez would resign.
Sen. Grace Poe also said she admired Chavez’s “sense of delicadeza,” but was doubtful that it was the only reason he resigned as he seemed determined to address issues regarding MRT.
"These issues should be properly and expeditiously resolved despite Usec. Chavez's resignation and especially considering the commuting horrors our people have to go through everyday," she said.
Poe said she hopes Tugade finds someone who has the “qualifications, capability, competence and commitment” as the job will be complex and will have “critical impact on the lives of [the] commuting public.”
Chavez resigned 10 days after the maintenance of the MRT shifted from Busan Universal Rail Inc. (Buri) to the government and two days after former cabinet members and officials of the Aquino administration were sued for plunder for supposedly irregular contracts of the MRT maintenance.