No Takers

The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) has started inviting firms to submit documents to express their interest on projects involving the improvement of the Metro Rail Transit-Line 3 (MTR-3). In its Request for Expression of Interest, the DOTC said it is looking for companies that are interested in providing consultancy services for the MRT-3 system.

Be Fair and Don't Raise The Fare

The Department of Transportation and Communication Secretary Emilio Abaya has ample guts to proceed with his planned strategies to complete the buyout as per his latest announcement of Department Order for MRT in Metro Manila.

Jun Abaya’s confidence coupled by the administration support  in backing up the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) made him the focus of so many disappointments coming from different sectors of the society. The Administration’s truly involved and believed the same way as he did. Moreover, he has the support for this MRT3 endeavor all along.

Untimely Increase

Commuters are railing against the upcoming fare increases of 50 to 87 percent on the Light Rail Transit (LRT) and the Metro Rail Transit(MRT) starting Jan. 4, pointing out that LRT-1 and MRT-3 trains often break down.

Bid or No Bid

 The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) has declared a failure of bidding for the P2.2-billion maintenance contract for the Metro Rail Transit line 3 (MRT-3) after no bidders showed up.

MRT-3 and Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) spokesman Hernando Cabrera said the government is now reviewing the terms of reference of the three-year maintenance contract due to the issues raised by prospective bidders.

Who Gains From MRT 3 Buyout?

There are yet again several controversies surrounding this plan of a buyout. People have wondered why all of the sudden Aquino wants to push through with this expensive buyout which will cost us P56 Billion pesos to complete. Aquino stated that it was to end the huge rental fees the government pays for private sector who owns the MRT3. It was estimated that this buyout will be finalized on the first quarter of 2015.

No To MRT Shutdown

Department of Transportation and Communications Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya has backtracked on his proposal for a temporary shutdown of the Metro Rail Transit (MRT). Even if he didn't backtrack I still wouldn't say yes to this plan. The operations of MRT-3 have been hampered by a series of breakdowns brought about by broken rails, non-working communications system as well as floods. Last Aug. 13, a train overshot the Taft Avenue station and hit a concrete barrier, injuring at least 36 passengers.

The MRT Mess

The Senate public services committee turned into a mediator while the Department of Transportation and Communications chief Joseph Emilio "Jun" Abaya and Fil-Estate and MRT Holdings Chair Roberto Sobrepeña gave their respective sides to the story on the sorry state of the mass rail transit system MRT 3. Bob Sobrepeña revealed MRTC tried four times to buy new trains for the mass rail system as early as 2004, but there was no action on the part of DOTC.

MRT Crossroads

The Metro Rail Transit Corporation expresses concerns on the purchasing of new trains which are scheduled to arrive next year may not be compatible with the system. MRTC Chairman Robert John Bob Sobrepeña says the DOTC has kept them out of the loop in MRT Holdings operations. He adds, they were not consulted on the purchase of the new trains.

Malacañang is quick to rally, defend, coddle (pick any of those that will all work just the same) behind embattled Transportation and Communications Secretary Jun Abaya.Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda affirmed that Abaya is ready to clear his name on the alleged anomalous Metro Rail Transit (MRT) 3 contract although he would not be compelled to go on leave pending the investigation by the Ombudsman. But still to be tagged  as Abaya corruption you should have delicadeza to resign.

According to him this is another arena where Secretary Jun Abaya will be willing and ready to face whatever accusation is hurled against him. Why can’t he do it now? Why will he have to wait til he is asked to do so?