MRT3 GM offers to resign after getting lashing from Alvarez

Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT3) General Manager (GM) Rodolfo Garcia on Wednesday offered to step down from his position after getting a lashing from Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez on the issues of the mass transport system.

At the joint House Committees on Transportation and Public Works and Highways hearing, Alvarez quizzed Garcia on the woes of commuters and patrons of MRT3.

Alvarez pointed out that passengers have long been suffering from the results of MRT3 issues, including having to fall in long queues and overcrowding in trains.

"Halos araw-araw binabatikos tayo dahil walang nangyayari. Mahigit isang taon na po tayo diyan at wala pa ring nangyayari," he told Garcia.

Garcia said they are already looking to augment the present number of MRT3 coaches by using Dalian coaches.

But Alvarez stressed that the signalling system of the Dalian coaches was not compatible with the present system, asking Garcia if he was sure of what he is telling the lawmakers.

"Then, I will resign kung hindi ako sigurado! Kung gusto mo mag-resign na ako, ngayon na!" Garcia said in a fuming voice.

"Go ahead," Alvarez told Garcia. "Then the country will be happy."

Majority Leader Rodolfo Fariñas reprimanded Garcia, saying that if the committee decides, it can order the latter's detention. An apology was sought from Garcia.

"May I move that GM Garcia be removed... for being disrespectful of this committee because that is unbecoming of a resource person especially on the Speaker of the House of Representatives. That is also a direct affront to the House of Representatives," Fariñas said.

"This is a legislative inquiry, Mr. Garcia! At the very least you should give utmost respect moreso to the Speaker of the House of Representatives," he added.

Garcia apologized to the committee. He later approached Alvarez to personally apologize.

Following his apology, the motion to cite him in contempt was withdrawn.

In an ambush interview, Alvarez said he was questioning Garcia's competence to run MRT3, but he would not call for his resignation.

"Ayokong manawagan," he said.

But Alvarez believes that Garcia seemed to be pushing through with his resignation.

“Kanina nung tinanong ko, my last question, kung talagang seryoso. Ang sabi naman niya, oo seryoso siya,” he said.

Even during the hearing, Alvarez asked Garcia if he was serious in stepping down.

“Yes, your honor. Medyo pressured na po ako as GM. I’m contemplating getting out,” Garcia said. — RSJ, GMA News

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