Have you ever tried riding the LRT and MRT? If you
did so, you probably share the sentiments of the thousands of Filipinos who
ride either transit systems to and from their workplaces or other destinations.
Yes, the insanely long queues and poor services are hair-grabbing incidents at
some point.
The recent fare increase for both transit systems
are what’s getting into the nerves of many commuters in Manila. This is because
people feel that the hike isn’t fair at all, knowing how bad their services
are. But Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) Secretary
Joseph Emilio Abaya said, “it had to be made.”
Secretary also added that they “will also see
marked improvements in our LRT and MRT services.” But this remains to be seen.
I, for one, can attest to how hard it is to get a ride on the LRT and MRT. If
you’re in a hurry, you might as well find another way to get there because
there’s really no way you can get to your destination fast on the MRT or LRT.
The long line leading up to the main train station is enough to discourage you
to even try.
Last week, President Noynoy Aquino defended the
increase in fares despite the fact that many sectors are opposing this move. He
said he will be a willing sacrifice for such an unpopular yet overdue decision,
if it means improving its services. Pres. Aquino said, “There is no perfect
decision here.”
The President also added that he didn’t want to
leave the issues about the LRT and MRT system behind. He said that taxes,
higher fares and prices are always a bitter pill to swallow, but the impending
fare increase for the rail systems just has to happen as it has been planned
since 2011. He also encouraged his critiques to offer solutions to help solve
the problems about the trains without resorting to a fare hike.
Senate
summons Sec. Abaya
Last January 4, Senator Francis ‘Chiz’ Escudero
said the Senate will summon Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya to
explain the increase in fare for the LRT 1 and 2 and MRT 3. Escudero said in
his DZBB interview, “We will tackle that (fare increase) and if there is a
chance, we will stop it and ask their commitment because there is no reason,
financially and practically, for the fare hike.”
Escudero also questioned the timing of the fare
hike, saying the management should improve its services first. Meanwhile,
Senator Grace Poe backs Escudero’s proposal. She said, “Of course, we have to
call the DOTC Secretary. He is the person who can answer.”
However, Abaya was a no-show at the hearing held
last Wednesday due to his alleged active participation in the preparation for
the Papal visit. DOTC Undersecretary Jose Lotilla said, “The secretary is right
now very much involved in the preparations for the Papal visit. He had to
request to be excused.”
Abaya’s absence was questioned by Bayan Muna
Representative Neri Colmenares, saying that the Secretary has always been
active defending the fare hike. Of all the days he can be absent, why does he
have to pick the day he has to show up at the Senate for questioning?
SC’s
reaction to the fare hike
When I heard that the Supreme Court ordered the
Philippine government to explain their decision on the fare increase and
proving its legality, I was very happy and I prayed that they would be able to
stop this absurdity.
Respondents were given 10 days from receipt to
send in their comments. The respondents in the petition include DOTC Sec.
Joseph Emilio Abaya, LRTA Administrator Honorito Chaneco, MRT 3
Office-in-Charge Renato San Jose, the MRT Corp. and the Light Rail Manila
Consortium.
However, just like Bagong Alyansang Makabayan
(Bayan), which petitioned for the questioning of the fare increase, I too was
disappointed that the SC are not able to issue a TRO (temporary restraining
order) against the MRT and LRT increase in fare prices.
As of this writing, no TRO has been issued against
DOTC Order 2014-014, which means that the fare hike for the LRT and MRT will
have to remain in place, for now.
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