MRT-3 general manager sacked

The Department of Transportation’s (DoTr) intensified efforts to hold public officials accountable have now extended to the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3), with its general manager, Oscar Bongon, being relieved from his post.

Transportation Secretary Vivencio Dizon confirmed on Tuesday that he had submitted a list of potential replacements to Malacañang for review.

“I just think we need some changes in our agencies, especially those agencies that directly affect the daily lives of our countrymen. So, what we need here are people who act quickly. This serves as a message to our colleagues in the DoTr,” Dizon said in an interview.

“Even though I have already recommended someone, it is still up to our President whether he will appoint that person,” he added.

Bongon’s removal follows recent operational issues at the MRT-3, including a malfunctioning escalator at Taft Avenue Station that left at least 10 passengers injured.

The DoTr said the accident was caused by a broken primary chain, which led to the sudden stoppage of the escalator, causing commuters to fall. Among those injured was a female passenger who sustained an ankle injury.

While it remains unclear if Bongon’s dismissal is directly linked to these problems, his removal underscores Dizon’s push for greater accountability in the transport sector.

On Monday, Dizon outlined plans to ease long queues, upgrade station facilities and improve passenger transfers between the MRT and other transport modes.

Immediate improvements include better lighting in dim areas and the construction of covered walkways to link MRT stations with buses and jeepneys.

“It seems that it is possible to add one or two wagons during rush hour and 1,300 people can fit in one bagon. By then, our train will be a little more spacious,” Dizon said.

He also directed MRT-3 management to extend evening operations by an hour.

With the build-lease-transfer agreement between the government and Metro Rail Transit Corp. set to expire this year, the DoTr is considering privatizing MRT-3 operations.