Corruption: The Roots of Problem in MRT-3?

We don’t see any development about the maintenance of the MRT-3 although DOTC Sec. Emilio Abaya has some measurement how to solve the problem. His plan is ineffective because it is not appropriate for train. He is still using the service of APT Global for the maintenance work of the MRT. He can’t replace the company even the outcome of their work is terrible. The train had experience a lot of trouble under their management. Until now the government is still looking for a new maintenance provider. The problem, all of their potential bidders doesn’t want to pass their proposal to the government.

The problem in MRT-3 will not be resolved unless Sec. Abaya will eat his pride. He should hire again the service of Somitomo Corp. from Japan, the former maintenance provider of MRT-3. This is the recommendation of the Metro Trail Transit Corp. (MRTC), the real owner of the MRT-3. This company had an excellence record when they were still handling the maintenance work for the MRT. The problem occurred when Sec. Abaya didn’t extend the contract of this company. He said that Somitomo asked a high fee for their service. But if was just a normal, if you want a good service; you have to pay higher. This is better rather than to hire other company which have a cheaper price, but their don’t giving a quality service. This was happened to MRT-3, the DOTC hired the joint venture of Phil Trams-C&BT. Aside from poor service, the transaction between the company and the government had been shrouded of anomaly. Allegedly, Sec. Abaya accepted bribe from Phil-Trams-C&BT in exchanged of contract for the MRT maintenance work.

Sec. Abaya had been also involved in the anomalous transaction of Al Vitangcol who became a head of MRT. The former official tried to kick back the Inekon Group in 2012. Because of this, the Czech Ambassador wrote a letter to P-Noy to report the incident but the Philippine government didn’t take an action. Instead, P-Noy and Sec. Abaya defended Vitangcol until he was forcibly resigned from his position to save P-Noy from political scandal which he created.  Until now, Sec. Abaya is not clearing his name about the issue. The truth is, the Ombudsman had already filed a case against the two corrupt government officials.

Last January,t he DOTC increase the MRT-LRT fare despite of the refusal of the public. They believed that the fare increase was not the answer to improve our train system. Now, we are also heard that Sec. Abaya is using the funds of MRT-3 to pave the way the candidacy of DILG Mar Roxas in 2016. Roxas is the stand bearer of the Liberal Party where Sec. Abaya is acting as their president. So, this is not surprising anymore if he is doing this to strengthen their forces. If Roxas could win, he will be still gain power in the government. And of course, the purpose is to use his position for his personal interest.