MRT, NAIA execs told: Follow SoKor PM’s lead

MANILA, Philippines - A senior administration lawmaker asked officials of the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) and the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) yesterday to follow the example of South Korea’s prime minister, who resigned over the sinking of a ferry, which left over 300 people dead or missing.

Valenzuela City Rep. Sherwin Gatchalian was referring to Chung Hong Won, who stepped down amid growing public anger at the South Korean government’s slow response to the ferry tragedy.

Gatchalian said MRT and NAIA officials should learn from Chung following their poor management of state facilities. Over 10 passengers were injured last March when the MRT’s emergency brake system was set off, while operations were limited to a few stations for a day due to glitches in the computer system, he said.

The bungled train services are linked to the lack of coaches, which is expected to be resolved when new units arrive next year or in 2016. The purchase, however, is tainted with allegations of extortion against MRT Line 3 general manager Al Vitangcol III, according to Gatchalian.

He said the NAIA Terminal 1 has been consistently criticized for its lousy facilities, and last year it was labeled as the worst airport in the world and in Asia by travel website “The Guide to Sleeping in Airports.” The rankings were based on comfort, conveniences, cleanliness, and customer service.

“MRT and NAIA officials should have the same delicadeza as South Korea’s prime minister, who quit his job due to mismanagement of rescue operations,” said Gatchalian, who is also a vice chair for the House of Representatives’ committee on Metro Manila development.

“If they cannot deliver more than or at least, what is expected of them, then they must step aside and allow competent persons to handle these quagmires in transportation,” he said.

The lawmaker said the appalling situation of the MRT and the NAIA dampens productivity and causes a significant amount of stress in passengers.

“Substandard transportation services cause people to be late for their work or appointments, and this means lost productivity,” he said. “The passengers’ well-being is also affected because of the anxiety experienced every time they use the MRT and NAIA facilities.”

Gatchalian earlier filed House Resolutions 909 and 1013, which called on the House to probe into the management and operations of NAIA and MRT, respectively.