Palace exec apologizes for urging public to find other means of transpo

MANILA, Philippines - After receiving criticisms from commuters and netizens, Presidential Communications Sec. Sonny Coloma apologized on Friday for his recent statement advising passengers to take other modes of transportation instead of the Metro Rail Transit (MRT).

"Humihingi po tayo ng paumanhin at pag-unawa dahil maaaring nagkaroon ng misimpression arising from that single answer," Coloma said at a televised press briefing in Malacañang.

"Sana lang ay maunawaan na hindi 'yon ang buod ng ating posisyon dito," the Palace official added.

He said for the longest time now, the government has been aiming to improve the services of the MRT.

On Thursday, Coloma said commuters should just try other forms of public transportation such as passenger buses if they find it inconvenient to ride the MRT trains.

Read: Palace urges public to ride 'uncongested' buses amid MRT woes

In an interview with Aksyon TV on Friday, Coloma pointed out that it is also important to provide immediate solutions to the problems of the MRT.

But he said the concrete solution is the acquisition of additional trains and coaches.

Coloma also said that he understands the plight of the commuters since he has also experienced riding public vehicles.

"Marami na rin pong panahon na tayo ay nagtatake din niyan. Hindi naman po lahat ng pagakakataon ay gumagamit tayo ng pribadong sasakyan," he said.

The Palace official further said that he once served in the Department of Transportation and Communication when he directly supervised the Light Rail Transit Authority.

"Kaya hindi naman po siguro kalabisan na sabihin na may pagunawa tayo sa araw na araw na sitwasyon na umiiral diyan," Coloma said.

Coloma issued his apology the same day MRT general manager Al Vitangcol gave his for the problems of the train system.

Read: MRT chief plans to resign in time; apologizes to passengers