Following the viral video showing Department of Transportation (DOTr) Acting Secretary Giovanni Lopez raising his voice at the station manager of LRT-1 Baclaran during an inspection, the DOTr issued a statement clarifying the incident.
The inspection, conducted on 4 November, drew criticism from labor groups who alleged that the transportation chief publicly humiliated the station manager.
“The Acting Secretary did not scold the station manager, but rather his remarks stemmed from his frustration and genuine concern for the welfare of the commuters and his firm expectation that all facilities meet the standards our passengers truly deserve,” the agency said in its statement.
According to the DOTr, the inspection revealed unfinished passageways, slippery walkways, and lack of water supply in the comfort rooms. Lopez was also seen in the video reacting to an elderly couple struggling to use a steep stairway, which he called unsafe, particularly for persons with disabilities.
“Any lapses must be met with accountability especially if you are tasked to manage a facility, more so a public transportation that caters to thousands of commuters daily,” DOTr added, stressing that commuters “deserve a decent, clean, and orderly public transport.”
Labor unions rally behind the manager
Before the DOTr clarified the matter, the National Federation of Labor Chapter 001–LRMC Supervisory Union and Chapter 003–LRMC Rank and File Union slammed Lopez’s behavior, calling for a public apology.
“No government official has the right to publicly shame, insult, or yell at a worker. This type of public reprimand not only demoralizes workers but also shows haste and lack of due process,” the statement read.
LRMC responds
Light Rail Manila Corp. (LRMC), the private operator of LRT-1, assured that improvements in Baclaran Station are ongoing.
“We assure the riding public and Acting Secretary Lopez that we will accelerate the completion of these ongoing works and will fully comply with the secretary’s mandate to address any noted areas requiring immediate attention,” LRMC stated.