Committee on Public Services Chairperson Raffy Tulfo visited MRT3 Depot in North Avenue, Quezon City to inspect the controversial 48 unused Dalian trains purchased by the past administration.
The sets of Dalian trains procured by the Philippine government to expand the operations of MRT remained unused due to unresolved incompatibility issues with the rail system.
“Nakatiwangwang lang at nababalot na ng alikabok ang 48 Dalian trains na gawa ng China na nagkakahalaga ng P3.7 billion simula noong ito ay ma-deliver noong 2017,” Tulfo said.
“Mayroon ng mga nakasuhan sa Ombudsman dahil dito pero nadismiss lamang ang mga kaso nila.”
“Mayroon ng mga nakasuhan sa Ombudsman dahil dito pero nadismiss lamang ang mga kaso nila. Kaya dapat ay magsampa ng kakaibang criminal case kaysa sa dati nang nai-file para maiwasan ang double jeopardy,” the legislator added.
The lawmaker found out that the Aquino administration was aware from the beginning that the specifications of Dalian’s wagons were not compatible and non-compliant with our MRT system, but still insisted on continuing the contract and accepting the delivery of useless trains.
“Kung sakali mang piliting gamitin at patakbuhin ng ating gobyerno ang mga Dalian trains, kailangang sumuka muli ang pamahalaan ng panibagong limpak-limpak na pera.”
“At kung sakali mang piliting gamitin at patakbuhin ng ating gobyerno ang mga Dalian trains, kailangang sumuka muli ang pamahalaan ng panibagong limpak-limpak na pera na magkakahalaga sa dalawang bilyong piso kada taon para lang sa maintenance,” the senator pointed out.
Instead of spending huge amounts for the maintenance of defective trains, he suggested for the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to renegotiate the contract so that these trains can be returned and the amount of money spent be refunded.
Tulfo plans to schedule a hearing after the Senate Session break to investigate who is accountable for this mess.
