MRT-3 general manager dismissed after escalator malfunction
MRT-3 General Manger Oscar Bongon has been relieved from his post, Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon said.
Dizon told ABS-CBN News that Bongon was released from duty following the escalator malfunction at Taft Avenue station that left 10 passengers hurt.
"Mabagal nagdesisyon ang management. Nasira siya ng Sabado, Martes pa siya pinagawa. Kung hindi pa ako tumawag nung Martes ng umaga, hindi pa ipapagawa. So medyo malaking problema sa'kin 'yun at ikinagalit ko 'yun," he said.
Dizon has submitted his recommendations for Bongon's replacement but is still waiting on confirmation from Malacañang.
The Transportation Secretary rode the MRT on Monday morning and inspected the condition of some stations, including Taft Avenue, Ayala, and Shaw Boulevard.
During his visit, he instructed MRT-3 management to construct covered walkways linking train stations to terminals of public transport and to repair broken turnstiles.
He also called to extend train operations at night by one hour.
An escalator at Taft Avenue station was packed with passengers when it malfunctioned on March 8, causing some of them to fall on top of each other. Videos of the incident made the rounds on social media afterward.
The Department of Transportation said it would cover medical expenses, while the insurance company will assess and approve compensation for lost income due to the incident.
In a statement on March 11, the DOTr said it malfunctioned because of issues with the main drive chain.
MRT-3 staff did repair work right after the incident which lasted until March 11 at 5:33 p.m. (with reports form Elijah Felice Rosales)
