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.

Around P50 million was earmarked to finance the consultancy services. “The DOTC-MRT3 now calls for the submission of expression of interest and eligibility documents for the services of a consultant for the MRT-3 system,” DOTC said.

A pre-eligibility conference is scheduled to be held on January 30. The interested firms have until February 6 to submit their eligibility documents.

The project involves providing assistance and guidance in all matters of the operations and maintenance of the MRT-3..

The consulting firm would provide assistance and guidance in all matters pertaining to operations and maintenance of the MRT system, Hernando Cabrera, MRT3 and Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) spokesperson, said.

The consultant would also extend assistance in the conceptualization, implementation, and procurement of any and all programs and projects for MRT3 in an effort to provide a safe, reliable, efficient, convenient, affordable, and efficient mass rail transit system. But despite the attractive incentives no one seems to want to bid.

I see one of two things happening in this scenario the first one is that Jun Abaya will drag his feet looking for consultation, leaving the MRT in the claws of the DOTC-slash-Liberal Party indefinitely. The other theory is that the 'consultation will be done by another (or by the same) crony company. This is the master of delay, like the way he makes an onerous contract that no one will touch so maintenance remains with APT-Global. The DOTC should be divested of control of maintenance and that should be returned to the private owners who recommend Metro Pacific and Sumitomo, both with proven track records.

I see one of two things happening: a) Abaya will drag his feet looking for consultation, leaving the MRT in the claws of the DOTC-slash-Liberal Party indefinitely, or b) the 'consultation will be done by another (or by the same) crony company. This is the master of delay, like the way he makes an onerous contract that no one will touch so maintenance remains with APT-Global. The DOTC should be divested of control of maintenance and that should be returned to the private owners who recommend Metro Pacific and Sumitomo, both with proven track records.