MRT chief tagged in bribery faces media

MANILA, Philippines - While still facing accusations of bribery by the Czech ambassador, Metro Rail Transit general manager Al Vitangcol III finally spoke to the media – about the 20-minute disruption of MRT service yesterday morning which was caused by a hairline crack on the rail tracks.

In an interview with radio dzRH, Vitangcol, who has played hide and seek with the media since he returned to work late August after going on leave last July 22, did not discuss the bribery allegations made against him by Ambassador Josef Rychtar and executives of Czech firm Inekon over a contract to expand the MRT.

He focused on the 20-minute rail service suspension at the north half of the MRT where cracks were detected at a section of the rail line near the Kamuning station at 5:48 a.m. yesterday.

He said that cracked section was secured with braces as a temporary safety measure.

During the repair, the north half or the North Avenue to Shaw Boulevard portion of the MRT was closed to passengers.

Full operation was resumed at 6:08 a.m. after inconveniencing thousands of commuters who were returning to work or school after the All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day holidays.

Last Oct. 11 and Sept. 6, MRT service was suspended because cracks were detected at the rail tracks in the southbound section between Santolan and Ortigas MRT stations.

Vitangcol also announced during the interview that the Department of Transportation and Communications and MRT management would hold public hearings on the proposed fare hike at the MRT and Light Rail Transit Lines 1 and 2 next week.