Lawmaker backs gov’t takeover of MRT

MANILA, Philippines - Isabela Rep. Rodolfo Albano III urged the government yesterday to pursue its plan to take over the ownership and management of Metro Rail Transit (MRT) to improve its operation and eliminate frequent breakdowns.

“I fully support the proposal of the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) for a full takeover so that once and for all, the persistent problems that have bugged the mass transit system in the past few months, which have threatened the lives of more than half a million commuters who ride the facility daily, could be solved,” Albano said.

He noted that state ownership of MRT would prevent blame and responsibility tossing between MRT Corp. (MRTC), the private owner of the system, and its operator, the government.

But he added that the proposed takeover, if it materializes, should not prejudice the DOTC plan to sue MRTC for alleged breach of contract.

MRTC was reportedly formed and remains controlled by the Sobrepeñas of troubled College Assurance Plan, a pioneer in the pre-need industry. CAP is now under rehabilitation.

MRTC built the MRT line on a build-operate-transfer basis. The government subsidizes the line’s operation to the tune of P6 billion a year.

The DOTC has proposed an ownership buyout for P53 billion, but MRTC claims that such huge amount would still not be enough.

Albano said the problems relating to the management, maintenance and operation of the MRT line would continually crop up unless the government buys out the private owner.

He recalled that when the DOTC tried to buy 48 new additional train coaches not too long ago, MRTC went to court and obtained an injunction to stop the procurement.

However, the DOTC was able to convince the court that it was in the public interest to procure the new coaches and that MRTC was given enough time to do it itself, he said.

Newly designated MRT officer-in-charge Renato San Jose yesterday said the 48 new trains to be provided by CNR Dalian Locomotive and Rolling Stock Co. of China is scheduled to arrive starting next year until 2016. The arrival of the new trains together with the upgrading of the signaling and power systems would help address the congestion in the MRT.

Easing passengers’ burden

San Jose also vowed to put in place measures that would ease the burden of MRT passengers while the government is waiting for the arrival of the new trains.

San Jose said he ordered the setting up of tents at the stations in North Ave., Quezon Ave., Kamuning, and Cubao to serve as shade to protect passengers from rains and the heat of the sun.

The temporary shelters would be equipped with electric fans and water stations. Medical personnel would also be assigned at the stations, especially during peak hours, he added. – With Lawrence Agcaoili, Rainier Allan Ronda