MANILA, Philippines - Sen. Grace Poe on Monday questioned the delayed accomplishment of upkeep and upgrade of the Metro Rail Transit (MRT).
The senator requested Transportation and Communications Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya to submit a progress report on the MRT rehabilitation project within five days.
"Our commuters have long been aggrieved, and any further delay in the accomplishment of vowed upkeep and upgrade is certainly unacceptable. We must hold accountable all those negligent in carrying out their duties," Poe said.
Poe cited the series of malfunctions that the MRT recently experienced, risking the welfare and safety of its passengers. Last February 27, a glitch caused the MRT southbound train to stop abruptly.
READ: Braking glitch hits MRT train anew
During the Senate public services subcommittee on transport hearing last February 2, Abaya presented the target dates of the MRT rehabilitation deliverables.
| Project | Cost | Estimated Completion Date |
| Rail Replacement | 81,524,664 | September 2015 |
| Signaling System Upgrade | 184,182,366 | September 2015 |
| Radio Communications Upgrade | 110,000,000 | November 2015 |
| Supply of Traction Motors | 94,500,000 | October 2015 |
| Consulting Services | 50,000,000 | April 2015 (Procurement) |
| Ancillary System | 870,000,000 | April 2016 |
| Supply of Grinding Machine Rail Vehicle | 110,000,000 | May 2016 |
| Total Replacement of Signaling System | 1,076,635,000 | October 2016 |
| Conveyance Facilities | 90,000,000 | January 2016 |
| General Train Overhaul | 1,155,500,000 | June 2017 |
The senator asked Abaya to report on the progress of each project.
"We definitely want to know the exact level of progress and current accomplishments on every identified rehabilitation project. Pagmalasakitan naman natin ang ating matagal nang nagdurusang mga pasahero," Poe stressed.
Poe added that improved service is expected from the MRT since commuters are paying high fares.
"An efficient and reliable mass transportation system helps improve workforce productivity and our economy," the senator said.
Last weekend, the MRT cut its operating hours short to give way for the rehabilitation and repair work of the train system.
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