August 19, 2023

 James Relativo - Philstar.com / August 19, 2023 | 4:49pm 

MANILA, Philippines — A commuter's group is calling on authorities to consider extending the operations of the Metro Rail Transit System-Line 3 (MRT-3) until 12 a.m., stressing the public's transportation needs amid the rise in Philippine population. ... Read more

August 17, 2023

 By: Zacarian Sarao - Reporter / @zacariansINQINQUIRER.net / 09:51 PM August 17, 2023 

MANILA, Philippines — The management of the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) on Thursday said it may not be able to implement 24-hour operations anytime soon due to the required nightly maintenance checks.
... Read more

August 4, 2023

 August 4, 2023, 4:27 pm 

MANILA – The Metro Rail Transit-3 (MRT-3) is ready to accommodate commuters who will be affected by the emergency repairs along portions of the EDSA Bus Carousel that will start Friday night.
... Read more

August 1, 2023

 ABS-CBN News | Posted at Aug 01 2023 12:23 PM 

MANILA -- Blind and visually-impaired passengers can get free rides on the MRT-3 from August 1 to 6, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said in a statement Tuesday.
... Read more

July 31, 2023

 Elijah Felice Rosales - The Philippine Star | July 31, 2023 | 12:00am 

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has until July 2024 to decide whether it will package the privatization of the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) and Light Rail Transit Line 2 (LRT-2) in one bundle.
... Read more

July 15, 2023

 By TED CORDERO, GMA Integrated News | Published July 15, 2023 6:06pm 

The 48 sets of Dalian trains procured by the Philippine government to expand the operations of Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT3) remained unused due to unresolved incompatibility issues with the rail system, state auditors said.
... Read more

July 3, 2023

 By JON VIKTOR D. CABUENAS, GMA Integrated News | Published July 3, 2023 12:07pm 

The operator of the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT3) has filed a petition to hike its fares, as it earlier cited struggles in finances as revenues have not been enough to compensate for expenses.
... Read more

July 3, 2023

 By: Zacarian Sarao - Reporter / @zacariansINQINQUIRER.net / 02:40 PM July 03, 2023 

MANILA, Philippines — The operator of the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) on Monday filed a petition for a fare increase two weeks after the fare hike for Light Rail Transit (LRT) Line 1 and Line 2 had been approved.
... Read more

June 18, 2023

 Jire Carreon, ABS-CBN News | Posted at Jun 18 2023 02:19 PM 

Loyal patrons of the Metro Rail Transit receive their token coffee mugs as MRT-3 North EDSA Station in Quezon City celebrates and honors fathers riding the trains on Father’s Day. Father’s Day is celebrated annually on third Sunday of June to honor fathers and father-like figures in the family.
... Read more

May 31, 2023

 By: Zacarian Sarao - Reporter / @zacariansINQINQUIRER.net / 07:26 PM May 31, 2023 

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Wednesday said that the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT 3) will start running four-car trains for the second part of its rehabilitation, increasing its passenger capacity.
... Read more

May 26, 2023

 By Anna Leah Gonzales May 26, 2023, 8:50 pm 

MANILA -- The government on Friday signed the JPY17.4-billion ($130 million) Metro Rail Transit (MRT) Line 3 Rehabilitation Project (II) loan agreement with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
... Read more

May 26, 2023

 ABS-CBN News | Posted at May 26 2023 07:24 PM 

MANILA -- The government on Friday signed loan agreement with Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) Line 3 Rehabilitation Project.
... Read more

May 24, 2023

 By: Zacarian Sarao - Reporter / @zacariansINQINQUIRER.net / 09:07 AM May 24, 2023 

MANILA, Philippines — The Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) on Wednesday morning underwent a brief service pause due to a signaling malfunction.
... Read more

April 29, 2023

By: Jean Mangaluz - Reporter / @JMangaluzINQINQUIRER.net / 08:54 PM April 29, 2023 

MANILA, Philippines — In celebration of Labor Day, workers may avail of free rides at the Light Rail Transit Line 2 (LRT-2) and Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) during selected hours on May 1, said the Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Saturday.
... Read more

April 16, 2023

 By: Tyrone Jasper C. Piad - @inquirerdotnetPhilippine Daily Inquirer / 05:44 AM April 16, 2023 

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Transportation (DOTr) needs about P1.45 billion to install platform barriers on stations of Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT 3) to prevent incidents such as a woman jumping onto the tracks of Metro Manila’s busiest railway last week.
... Read more

April 13, 2023

 By TED CORDERO, GMA Integrated News | Published April 13, 2023 6:43 pm 

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is pushing for the installation of platform barriers at the stations of the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) after an elderly woman died after jumping on the railway line’s tracks.
... Read more

April 13, 2023

 By: Zacarian Sarao - Reporter / @zacariansINQINQUIRER.net / 02:28 PM April 13, 2023 

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Transportation (DOTr) announced on Thursday that more rigorous security protocols would be enforced at the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) to deter passengers from intentionally or unintentionally jumping or falling onto the railway track.
... Read more

March 7, 2023

 By: John Eric Mendoza - Reporter / @JEMendozaINQINQUIRER.net / 05:58 PM March 07, 2023 

MANILA, Philippines — To mark International Women’s Day, female commuters will ride for free at the MRT-3 on March 8.
... Read more

February 4, 2023

 INQUIRER.net / 07:54 PM February 04, 2023 

MANILA, Philippines – The Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) has completed the overhauling of its 72 light rail vehicles (LRVs), the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said.
... Read more

March 4, 2019

By: Faye Orellana - Reporter / @FMOrellanaINQ INQUIRER.net / 09:35 AM March 04, 2019

MANILA, Philippines — Train service of the Metro Rail Transit 3 (MRT-3) was limited between North Avenue and Shaw Boulevard for about an hour on Monday morning due to a technical problem at its Guadalupe station.... Read more

February 24, 2019

(philstar.com) - February 24, 2019 - 2:22pm

MANILA, Philippines — Authorities apprehended an MRT-3 passenger after an explosive was found inside his bag.... Read more

February 20, 2019

By: Faye Orellana - Reporter / @FMOrellanaINQ INQUIRER.net / 02:30 PM February 20, 2019

MANILA, Philippines – An electrical failure stopped a train of the Metro Rail Transit-3 (MRT-3) line, forcing it to offload 450 passengers at the southbound section of its Quezon Avenue station on Wednesday past noon.... Read more

February 9, 2019

(philstar.com) - February 9, 2019 - 3:00pm

MANILA, Philippines (Update 2, 5:04 p.m.) — A Chinese woman was turned over to authorities Saturday morning after she threw a cup of soy pudding or "taho" at a police officer stationed at the Metro Rail Transit line 3. ... Read more

February 8, 2019

GMA Network Published February 8, 2019 1:21pm 

The management of the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT3) on Friday confirmed it received a bomb threat prior to the deadly explosions in Jolo, Sulu late January, saying this was the reason why it heightened security checks at train stations. ... Read more

January 19, 2019

By: Consuelo Marquez - Reporter / @CMarquezINQ INQUIRER.net / 04:00 PM January 19, 2019

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Grace Poe on Saturday slammed the recent technical glitches in the Metro Rail Transit-3 (MRT-3) as the train’s rehabilitation is set to begin this month.... Read more

January 18, 2019

By: Consuelo Marquez - Reporter / @CMarquezINQ INQUIRER.net / 02:33 PM January 18, 2019

MANILA, Philippines — A southbound Metro Rail Transit-3 (MRT-3) train stopped and unloaded around 700 passengers at the line’s Boni Station on Friday afternoon. ... Read more

December 12, 2018

By: Christia Marie Ramos - Reporter / @CMRamosINQ INQUIRER.net / 07:00 PM December 12, 2018

MANILA, Philippines — A southbound train of the Metro Rail Transit line 3 (MRT-3) unloaded its passengers at the Cubao station on Wednesday afternoon.
... Read more

November 17, 2018

By: Faye Orellana - Reporter / @FMOrellanaINQ INQUIRER.net / 02:49 PM November 17, 2018

The glitch-free streak of the Metro Rail Transit line 3 (MRT-3) ended on Saturday afternoon after a northbound train unloaded its passengers at the Gil Puyat (Buendia) station. ... Read more

October 15, 2018

GMA Network Published October 15, 2018 7:34am 

Around 850 passengers were unloaded on Monday morning after a southbound train of the Metro Rail Transit-3 had a glitch. ... Read more

October 11, 2018

By: Daphne Galvez - Reporter / @DYGalvezINQ INQUIRER.net / 09:17 AM October 11, 2018

A technical problem reportedly caused delays and long queues at Metro Rail Transit-3 (MRT-3) stations Thursday morning. ... Read more

October 4, 2018

By: Consuelo Marquez - Reporter / @CMarquezINQ INQUIRER.net / 06:00 PM October 04, 2018

Commuters rushing to work were not the only ones early to arrive at the Metro Rail Transit-3 (MRT-3) Ayala Station on Tuesday morning. ... Read more

September 28, 2018

Robertzon Ramirez (The Philippine Star) - September 28, 2018 - 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — Commuters were inconvenienced yesterday as trains of the Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1) and the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) malfunctioned yesterday. ... Read more

September 27, 2018

(The Philippine Star) - September 27, 2018 - 12:00am

Early yesterday, two maintenance service vehicles of the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 collided on the tracks between the Guadalupe and Buendia stations. Six MRT workers and two security guards were injured, two of them landing in the intensive care unit. The accident delayed the deployment of trains for the morning rush hour. Commuters complained that even the public notification about the service disruption was delayed. The train service finally started only at around 6 a.m. ... Read more

September 26, 2018

Rappler Aika Rey @reyaika Published 7:05 AM, September 26, 2018

MANILA, Philippines (5th UPDATE) – Seven Metro Rail Transit Line 3 personnel were hurt after two MRT3 maintenance trains collided between Buendia and Guadalupe Stations a couple of hours before the start of operations Wednesday morning, September 26. ... Read more

September 24, 2018

By: Faye Orellana - Reporter / @FMOrellanaINQ INQUIRER.net / 08:25 AM September 24, 2018

The management of the Metro Rail Transit line 3 (MRT-3) apologized for the delay in the deployment of trains during rush hour on Monday due to “pre-insertion checks.” “We apologize for the inconvenience caused and we will be taking measures to ensure higher train availability earlier in the morning,” it said in an advisory. ... Read more

August 9, 2018

Manila Bulletin Published August 9, 2018, 11:01 PM By Vanne Elaine Terrazola

Passengers of the Metro Rail Transit (MRT-3) Thursday night were unloaded after the train suffered yet another glitch supposedly due to an electrical problem. ... Read more

August 8, 2018

Erik Tenedero, ABS-CBN News Posted at Aug 08 2018 03:00 AM | Updated as of Aug 08 2018 04:31 PM

MANILA - Passengers of Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) were forced to use their umbrellas to protect themselves from water dripping from the train's ceiling on Tuesday afternoon. ... Read more

August 2, 2017

By: Darryl John Esguerra - Reporter / @DJEsguerraINQ INQUIRER.net / 06:31 PM August 02, 2018

After celebrating a record-setting streak of “no unloading” incidents for 29 consecutive days, a Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) southbound train unloaded passengers at the Araneta Center-Cubao Station in Quezon City due to an electrical failure at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday. ... Read more

July 26, 2018

By: Darryl John Q. Esguerra - @inquirerdotnet INQUIRER.net / 09:03 PM July 26, 2018

A broken rail was detected at the interstation of Boni and Guadalupe (southbound) of the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) on Thursday night. ... Read more

June 29, 2018

GOTCHA - Jarius Bondoc (The Philippine Star) - June 29, 2018 - 12:00am

... Read more

June 25, 2018

(philstar.com) - June 25, 2018 - 4:27pm

... Read more

June 14, 2018

Business Mirror By Lorenz S. Marasigan - June 14, 2018

MRT Holdings Inc. (MRTH) Chairman Robert John L. Sobrepeña is supportive of the government’s plan of bringing in Sumitomo Corp.—the contractor for the construction of the railway line and its maintenance provider until 2012—into the Metro Rail Transit 3 (MRT). ... Read more

May 28, 2018

GMA Network Published May 28, 2018 8:32am 

A northbound train on the Metro Rail Transit-3 line broke down past 7 a.m. on Monday, according to a report by Allan Gatus on Dobol B sa News TV. ... Read more

May 22, 2018

ABS-CBN News Posted at May 22 2018 10:18 AM | Updated as of May 22, 2018 10:21 AM

MANILA - An MRT-3 train was forced to offload a thousand passengers on Tuesday morning, breaking the railway's month-long record of operating without any such glitch. ... Read more

April 20, 2018

MRTH | May 13, 2016

What is in store for the MRT and its passengers? Few days after the national elections, MRT Holdings Chairman Robert Sobrepeña held a press conference last Friday, May 13, 2016 at a hotel in Mandaluyong City.... Read more

April 19, 2018

By: Julius N. Leonen - Reporter / @JLeonenINQ INQUIRER.net / 03:21 PM April 19, 2018

A southbound Metro Rail Transit 3 (MRT-3) train was forced to offload about a thousand passengers at Ortigas Station on Thursday afternoon.... Read more

April 18, 2018

Boo Chanco | The Philippine Star | April 18, 2018

I had a strange feeling it was about to happen. Last week I got my confirmation. Transportation Secretary Art Tugade has turned into a Mar Roxas clone. That explains a lot. ... Read more

April 13, 2018

Margaret Claire Layug | GMA News | April 13, 2018

A northbound train of the Manila Metro Rail Transit System Line 3 (MRT-3) broke down between the Boni and Shaw stations on Tuesday evening. ... Read more

April 13, 2018

Julius N. Leonen and Jovic Yee | INQUIRER.net | April 13, 2018

A northbound Metro Rail Transit 3 (MRT-3) train was forced to halt between Boni and Shaw Boulevard stations on the evening of Friday the 13th after a passenger pressed the train's emergency button. ... Read more

April 5, 2018

Bernadette Reyes | GMA News | April 5, 2018

In what could be a sign of good things to come, 16 MRT3 trains with three cars each were running as of Thursday night — exceeding the previous high of 15 trains recorded in January. ... Read more

April 1, 2018

The Manila Times | April 1, 2018

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has completed restoring 47 cars of the Metro Rail Transit-3 (MRT-3), equivalent to 15 trains plus two spare light rail vehicles, an official said. ... Read more

March 22, 2018

Julius N. Leonen | INQUIRER.net | March 22, 2018

A northbound Metro Rail Transit 3 (MRT-3) train was forced to offload a thousand passengers during rush hour on Thursday evening due to a "door failure." ... Read more

March 19, 2018

Faye Orellana | INQUIRER.net | March 19, 2018

More than 700 passengers of the Metro Rail Transit-3 (MRT-3) train were unloaded on Monday in Mandaluyong City following a technical glitch. ... Read more

March 19, 2018

Reicelene Joy Ignacio | The Manila Times | March 19, 2018

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) said 12 trains of the Metro Rail Transit-3 (MRT-3) were running on Sunday, more than the usual trains deployed on regular days but still short of the 15 trains targeted for operation by May this year. ... Read more

March 6, 2018

Azer Parrocha-PNA | Northbound Philippines News Online | March 6, 2018

Malacañang on Tuesday said that new cases may be filed against former officials of the now defunct Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) over the problems hounding the Metro Rail Transit-3 (MRT-3). ... Read more

March 3, 2018

Jovic Yee | INQUIRER.net | March 3, 2018

Perhaps the Department of Transportation (DOTr) should have been more prudent when it heaped praise on the Metro Rail Transit 3 (MRT 3) early this week, especially that around 750 passengers were again forced out of the train they were in after it broke down on Saturday. ... Read more

February 20, 2018

Aika Rey | Rappler | February 20, 2018

A glitch on the braking system of one of the trains of the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT3) sent passengers walking along the tracks on Tuesday morning, February 20. ... Read more

February 17, 2018

Aika Rey | Rappler | February 17, 2018

When the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT3) averaged 7 running trains, it served around 263,000 passengers to various destinations. ... Read more

January 24, 2018

GMA News | January 24, 2018

A northbound train of the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT3) unloaded passengerse during a peak hour on Wednesday morning due to a technical problem. ... Read more

January 1, 2018

Aika Rey | Rappler | January 1, 2018

Riding the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT3), especially during rush hour, has become an everyday battle among Filipinos. ... Read more

December 31, 2017

Rappler | December 31, 2017

On the last morning of 2017, the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT3) unloaded passengers because of another system glitch. ... Read more

December 30, 2017

Chrisee Dela Paz | Rappler | December 30, 2017

The country's transportation department expects a new maintenance provider for Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT3) by May 2018, after it finalizes the terms of a loan with the Japan government for the upgrade and upkeep of the glitch-ridden rail system. ... Read more

December 18, 2017

GMA News | December 18, 2017

At least 350 northbound passengers of the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT3) had to disembark at Magallanes station in Makati City on Monday afternoon after the train experienced a technical problem. ... Read more

December 7, 2017

GMA News | December 7, 2017

The Metro Rail Transit 3 (MRT3) was rarely out of the news this year, with the Department of Transportation's terminating the maintenance provider's contract; a fire breaking out in one train; an entire car detaching from another; and a horrific accident that highlighted a possible need for greater safety measures. ... Read more

November 29, 2017

Aika Rey | Rappler | November 29, 2017

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) said there was no mechanical or electrical defect in the coupling device of the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT3) train coaches involved in the detachment incident earlier this month. ... Read more

November 20, 2017

Chrisee Dela Paz | Rappler | November 20, 2017

The case of a Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT3) coach getting detached while the train was moving has prompted some lawmakers to urge Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade to resign. But Tugade rejected this call and instead, ordered his department to implement an action plan to solve MRT3 woes. ... Read more

November 17, 2017

Rappler | November 17, 2017

Transportation officials said operations of the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 will continue amid safety concerns following a train detachment incident and an accident involving the MRT3 this week. ... Read more

November 17, 2017

Iona Finlay Mendoza | Rappler | November 17, 2017

The Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT3) is cutting its operating hours short beginning Friday, November 17. ... Read more

November 7, 2017

Nicole-Anne C. Lagrimas | GMA News | November 7, 2017

A southbound train of the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT3) unloaded passengers on Tuesday morning due to a technical problem. ... Read more

October 23, 2017

Nestor Corrales | INQUIRER.net  | October 23, 2017

The Metro Rail Transit (MRT-3) limited its operation on Monday morning. ... Read more

October 20, 2017

GMA News | October 20, 2017

Embattled Busan Universal Rail Inc. (BURI) intends to disprove the basis used the Department of Transportation (DOTr) in serving a notice to terminate its maintenance contract covering the Metro Rail Transit Line-3 (MRT-3). ... Read more

October 2, 2017

Miguel R. Camus | INQUIRER.net | October 2, 2017

Infrastructure giant Metro Pacific Investments Corp. said it would invest more in the troubled Metro Rail Transit Line 3 after recently bagging a coveted original proponent status. ... Read more

September 20, 2017

InterAksyon | September 20, 2016

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Wednesday refuted claims by the maintenance contractor of the MRT3 that it is being denied payments, saying that the government is withholding payments because the company has failed to submit necessary documents. ... Read more

September 12, 2017

Chrisee Dela Paz | Rappler | September 12, 2017

State-run Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) is open to sell its entire economic interest in Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT3), a move that can pave the way to a new private owner and operator. ... Read more

May 3, 2017

Eagle News | May 3, 2017

Senator Grace Poe has called for an inquiry into, among others, the "reported inefficient management and maintenance" of the Metro Rail Transit 3, which she said results in "increasing incidents of train malfunctions." ... Read more

December 23, 2016

ABS-CBN News  | December 23, 2016

The Department of Transportation said Friday 27 new elevators were installed in several Metro Rail Transit-3 (MRT-3) stations in time for the holiday rush. ... Read more

December 14, 2016

Darwin G. Amojelar | Manila Standard | December 14, 2016

Metro Rail Transit Line 3 said Wednesday it expects to accommodate 800,000 passengers a day by 2017, up 55 percent from this year's average. ... Read more

December 1, 2016

PageOne.ph | December 1, 2016

The MRT Line 3 has increased to more than 500,000 commuters daily amid increasing travel time for its trains, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said Wednesday. ... Read more

September 14, 2016

Mary Chol Marquez | International Business Times | September 14, 2016

Busan Universal Inc. (Busan Manila), the maintenance provider of Metro Rail Transit Line 3, is set to add trains by December 2016. Busan Manila counsel and spokesman Charles Perfecto Mercado said the government wants to have 20 trains from the existing 16 to 18 trains. ... Read more

August 3, 2016

Marya Salamat | Bulatlat.com  | August 3, 2016

As per the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3 or MRT) company's "accurate system" of ticketing, your beep 'card failure' could result in an MRT employee losing his or her job. ... Read more

April 29, 2016

Lorenz S. Marasigan | April 29, 2016

PRESIDENTIAL aspirants may differ in their platforms, but they all agree on one thing: The key to solving Metro Manila's vehicular-traffic problem is to build and improve mass-transit systems, such as railway facilities. ... Read more

April 25, 2016

Rosette Adel | April 25, 2016

MANILA, Philippines – The Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) on Monday morning halted its operations anew after a train encountered trouble at the GMA-Kamuning Station. ... Read more

April 25, 2016

Coconuts Manila | April 25, 2016

This is the reason why we dread Mondays!
What a way to start the work week. Passengers of a southbound Metro Rail Transit (MRT)-3 train were forced to walk on the tracks between Ortigas-Santolan at around six o'clock this morning, Apr 25. ... Read more

April 22, 2016

PhilStar | April 22, 2016

The first time I heard about government plans to build Metro Rail Transit-7 was around early 1998, or a few months before President Fidel Ramos stepped down from office at Malacañang. That early on, the proposed building of MRT-7 was being studied at the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). ... Read more

April 20, 2016

Marichu A. Villanueva ,  April 20, 2016

At the risk of being cited for contempt of court, but this must be said. There is something suspicious with the gag order granted by the Sandiganbayan yesterday supposedly in favor of the petitioner who has a pending case before the anti-graft court. The Third Division of the Sandiganbayan chaired by associate justice Samuel Martires issued the gag order effectively applicable to all five presidential candidates as well as the media.... Read more

April 19, 2016

Patricia Lourdes Viray ,  April 19, 2016

MANILA, Philippines — Anti-graft court Sandiganbayan on Tuesday issued a gag order against all five presidential candidates in connection with the case filed against former Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) General Manager Al Vitangcol III. ... Read more

April 15, 2016

Elizabeth Marcelo,  April 15, 2016

Former Metro Rail Transit (MRT) general manager Al Vitangcol III has asked the anti-graft court to issue a gag order against presidential candidate and former interior and transportation secretary Manuel Roxas II to prevent the latter from publicly airing accusations against him in connection with the MRT Line 3 maintenance deal.... Read more

April 15, 2016

Jarius Bondoc,  April 15, 2016

What is Transport Sec. Joseph Abaya up to? He kept promising to test-run the new MRT-3 coaches, to be operational starting March. He failed. It’s mid-April, yet no additional train is in use.... Read more

April 14, 2016

Rosette Adel,  April 14, 2016

MANILA, Philippines – Former Metro Rail Transit (MRT) Line 3 General Manager Al Vitangcol III on Thursday submitted before the Sandiganbayan Third Division a very urgent motion for the issuance of a gag order against presidential candidate Manuel “Mar” Roxas II, citing the protection of his rights.... Read more

April 11, 2016

Marc Jayson Cayabyab,  April 11, 2016

The Ombudsman has indicted former Metro Rail Transit (MRT-3) general manager Al Vitangcol for two counts of graft over the alleged extortion try on Czech firm Inekon in exchange for contracts with the railway system. ... Read more

April 10, 2016

Joel E. Zurbano,  April 10, 2016

THE camp of presidential candidate and Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte chided the Aquino administration for allowing incompetent officials run the government “to the shame and detriment of the Filipino people and the country.” ... Read more

April 6, 2016

Christine F. Herrera  April 5, 2016

FORMER Metro Rail Transit-3 general manager Al Vitangcol III on Monday again blamed Liberal Party presidential candidate Manuel Roxas II, Transportation and Communications Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya and LP officials for the “anomalous” contracts that caused problems in Metro Manila’s train system.... Read more

April 1, 2016

Marichu A. Villanueva  April 1, 2016

Names of certain personalities not even candidates in the coming elections were dragged into the heated exchange during the televised presidential debate held in Cebu last March 20. Among them was former Metro Rail Transit (MRT) general manager Al Vitangcol whose name was, in fact, mentioned several times in the course of the two and a half-hour debate.... Read more

April 1, 2016

John Paolo Bencito and Macon Ramos-Araneta,  April 1, 2016

The Department of Transportation and Communications failed to meet its March 31 target date for a commercial run of two newly-procured coaches for the Metro Rail Transit-3.... Read more

March 31, 2016

March 31, 2016 | PhilStar

MANILA, Philippines – Former Metro Rail Transit (MRT) general manager Al Vitangcol III yesterday accused ruling Liberal Party members led by acting president, Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya, of cornering all the projects for maintenance and other big-budgeted contracts of the MRT. ... Read more

March 31, 2016

Azer N. Parroch March 31, 2016 

The Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) on Thursday shrugged off claims made by former Metro Rail Transit-3 (MRT-3) general manager Al Vitangcol against the agency anew, noting that Vitangcol’s dishonesty was the cause of his removal from the position.... Read more

March 23, 2016

By Manila Times | March 22, 2016

It might seem to be of minor matter in the bigger scheme of things now. But one of the biggest and most ruthless lies peddled by presidential candidate Manuel Roxas 2nd at the debate on Sunday was his claim that the mess at the MRT-3 that has caused the service to now teeter toward collapse was caused by its former general manager Al Vitangcol’s corruption. ... Read more

March 22, 2016

By Business World | March 20, 2016

When I hear candidates say that when they are elected, the government will do this and will do that, I laugh. For example, on the problem of low agricultural productivity and rural poverty, we hear that the solutions proposed by candidates are for the government to increase its budget for agriculture, offer subsidized agricultural credit, or build more farm-to-market roads.  ... Read more

March 22, 2016

By Philstar | March 20, 2016

DAANG Matuwid presidential candidate Mar Roxas and Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya keep announcing that 48 new coaches will arrive soon from Dalian Locomotive of China to help solve Metro Rail Transit-3 commuter problems. ... Read more

March 22, 2016

By GMA News | March 18, 2016

The management of MRT-3 on Friday denied that there was a service interruption that prompted an irate passenger to demand a refund the day on Wednesday. ... Read more

March 14, 2016

By The Standard | March 13, 2016

MRT passengers are now paying P20 for each Beep Card that could have been free but the proposal for a zero-cost automatic fare collection was unacted upon by former Transportation secretary Manuel Roxas II.  ... Read more

March 7, 2016

PhilStar.com | March 5, 2016

Hundreds of Metro Rail Transit commuters were inconvenienced anew when the rail line suspended its operations during yesterday morning’s rush hour. ... Read more

March 7, 2016

By Lorenz S. Marasigan | Business Mirror | March 7, 2016

It was the government’s ignorance, incompetence and inaction that led the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT 3) down a spiraling slope, its former general manager alleged, saying the government would not have had to spend P9.7 billion to fix what could easily have been prevented. ... Read more

March 1, 2016

By Marc Jayson Cayabyab | Inquirer.net | March 1, 2016

What is the prosecution afraid of?

This was the statement of sacked Metro Rail Transit (MRT 3) General Manager Al Vitangcol who cried foul over the prosecution’s refusal to give him copies of the counter-affidavits of Transportation Secretary Jun Abaya and others who were acquitted of graft in the MRT maintenance contract mess. ... Read more

February 29, 2016

Lorenz S. Marasigan | Business Mirror | February 27, 2016

THE private owner of Metro Rail Transit (MRT) Line 3 proposed over the weekend to fix the train line for a period of at least nine months to bring service levels back to normal. ... Read more

February 29, 2016

The Manila Times | February 26, 2016

Former Metro Rail Transit-3 (MRT-3) General Manager Al Vitangcol 3rd wants the Sandiganbayan to direct the prosecution to provide him copies of counter-affidavits submitted to the Office of the Ombudsman by officials of the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) including Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya. ... Read more

February 24, 2016

By Boo Chanco | The Philippine Star | February 24, 2016

The first debate turned out well, but I doubt the debate convinced the core supporters of candidates to consider the good points of the others. If at all, they were only listening to what their candidate is saying and agreeing with all their hearts. That’s the impression I get from comments and posts on Facebook. ... Read more

February 22, 2016

By Miguel R. Camus | Philippine Daily Inquirer | February 22, 2016 

THE WINDOW is closing for the government to complete the so-called equity value buyout of the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 before President Aquino steps down in the middle of the year.... Read more

February 22, 2016

By Jacque Manabat | ABS-CBN News | February 22, 2016

MANILA - The Department of Transportation and Communications' (DOTC) attempt to bid out the installation of the Metro Rail Transit's (MRT) rail replacement failed for a second time, as no bidder showed up on Monday. ... Read more

February 18, 2016

Rey G. Panaligan | Manila Bulletin | February 18, 2016

Former Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) general manager Al Vitangcol told the Supreme Court (SC) on Thursday that Liberal Party presidential candidate Manuel “Mar” Roxas, as former secretary of the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC), was one of those involved in the maintenance contract irregularities of MRT-3.... Read more

February 18, 2016

Rosette Adel  | Philstar | February 18, 2016

MANILA, Philippines – Former Metro Rail Transit (MRT) 3 General Manager Al Vitangcol III on Thursday submitted before the Supreme Court (SC) his affidavit tagging former Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) and now Liberal Party’s standard bearer Manuel “Mar” Roxas II as one of those involved in the train's maintenance ... Read more

February 18, 2016

By Mark Merueñas | GMA News Online | February 18, 2016

Former Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) General Manager Al Vitangcol on Thursday told the Supreme Court that former Interior Secretary Mar Roxas and Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya should have been charged over the MRT maintenance contract mess now plaguing the mass rail system. ... Read more

February 17, 2016

Lorenz S. Marasigan | Business Mirror | February 17, 2016

The failure of the transport department to respond to the proposals of Metro Rail Transit Holdings Inc. (MRTH) to modernize and improve the sorry state of the train line traversing Edsa is tantamount to violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices law, the private company’s Spokesman and Legal Counsel David S. Narvasa said on ... Read more

February 16, 2016

MRTH | February 16, 2016

Contrary to the statement of Secretary Abaya, MRT Holdings, the 100% owner of MRTC, is not playing politics when it comes to the findings of the Senate Committee on Public Services. ... Read more

February 16, 2016

By John Paolo Bencito | The Standard | February 16, 2016

TRANSPORTATION Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya has admitted that the problems dogging the Metro Rail Transit are hurting the presidential campaign of administration candidate Manuel Roxas II. ... Read more

February 11, 2016

by Robertzon Ramirez | The Philippine Star | February 11, 2016

MANILA, Philippines – Metro Rail Transit Holdings chairman Robert John Sobrepeña yesterday blamed Liberal Party standard-bearer Mar Roxas for the contract mess that the light train company is facing.

Sobrepeña said the series of events leading to the current state of the Metro Rail or MRT actually started when Roxas was secretary of the Department of Transportation and Communications.

“It was under Roxas’ term that the Sumitomo contract was not renewed. That was the first mistake,” Sobrepeña pointed out.

The second mistake, he added, also happened during Roxas’ term when a contract was negotiated with PH Trams, which was reported as being an undercapitalized and inexperienced firm.

When Transportation Secretary Joseph Abaya signed the contract allegedly laid down by Roxas, it became the third mistake, Sobrepeña said.

“As a Cabinet secretary, you should read what you sign because that gave finality to the PH Trams contract,” Sobrepeña stressed.

He said it was Abaya who first pointed to Roxas as being mainly liable for the MRT mess.

“It is something that the courts should look into,” Sobrepeña said when asked if Roxas should be held liable along with Abaya. “I’m just quoting Secretary Abaya when he (denied liability) because he signed the contract when he was only two days in office. If that is his excuse, then he is saying that it was his predecessor who made the contract and that’s none other than Secretary Roxas.”

Liberal Party member and Akbayan Rep. Ibarra Gutierrez defended Roxas, saying the latter’s public record speaks for itself.

He added that Sobrepeña should be the “last person to consult when it comes to credibility and integrity.”... Read more

February 5, 2016

by Daphne J. Magturo | BWorld Online | February 5, 2016

A CONSUMER rights group asked the Commission on Audit (CoA) to suspend the P3.8-billion maintenance deal of the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) Line 3, which the Department of Transportation and Communications (DoTC) awarded to a Korean-led consortium.... Read more

February 5, 2016

The Philippine Star| February 5, 2016

MANILA, Philippines – As far as the Senate is concerned, the report prepared by a panel chaired by Sen. Grace Poe recommending the filing of graft charges against Transportation and Communications Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya over the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) is not binding.... Read more

February 4, 2016

by Kristine De Guzman | CNN Philippines | February 4, 2016

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — Transportation officials get a failing mark.

This was the clear message of a Senate subcommittee report on the investigation into the deterioration of the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) system.... Read more

February 4, 2016

by Kristine Angeli Sabillo | Inquirer | February 4, 2016

A BROKEN rail near the MRT Ayala station was detected Thursday night, forcing train operations to grind to a halt.... Read more

February 4, 2016

by Katerina Francisco | Rappler | February 4, 2016

The Senate subcommittee says its findings should be submitted to the Ombudsman, the justice department, and the Civil Service Commission for appropriate action against erring officials ... Read more

February 3, 2016

by Kristine De Guzman | CNN Philippines | February 3, 2016

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — Convenience for commuters at the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) remains far from optimal even after the repair of a dozen escalators. ... Read more

March 29, 2016

February 5, 2016

MANILA, Philippines - "Wag na natin linlangin yung publiko. Wag na nating ilihis sa katotohanan. Harapin natin ang issue. Sagutin natin ang issue. Wag na nating dalhin kung saan saan pa yung usapan." ... Read more

February 2, 2016

by Hannah Torregoza | February 3, 2016

A draft committee report recommending the filing of graft charges against Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya and other MRT-3 officials has been submitted to the Senate committee on public services.... Read more

February 1, 2016

Ding Cervantes | The Philippine Star | January 30, 2016

ANGELES CITY, Philippines – Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya is “the beginning and end of the anomalies” in the signing of the P3.81-billion Metro Rail Transit (MRT) Line 3 maintenance contract, Sen. Grace Poe said yesterday.... Read more

February 1, 2016

Lorenz S. Marasigan | February 1, 2016

NOT many people had the honor of sitting behind the desk of a company chief executive at age 25, but Robert John L. Sobrepeña had the privilege of doing so.... Read more

February 1, 2016

Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz | Business Mirror | January 27, 2016

THE Alliance for Consumerism and Transparency (Action) recently filed graft charges against two undersecretaries, as well as several other officials of the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) and the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) ... Read more

February 1, 2016

Boo Chanco | The Philippine Star | January 25, 2016

It seems DOTC is now cutting corners to deliver those much needed MRT 3 train cars. After taking their sweet time over the last five years, they now feel the pressure to deliver some visible improvement before the May election. ... Read more

February 1, 2016

Jarius Bundoc | The Philippine Star | January 25, 2016

Al Vitangcol is being singled out for granting the MRT-3 upkeep to a firm in which his uncle-in-law is an owner. Records show, however, that his DOTC higher-ups had similar conflicts of interest – yet eluded graft indictment. ... Read more

January 29, 2016

Editorial | The Standard | December 30, 2015

THE commuter train that skid off the tracks and rammed through a concrete barrier to crash land onto a busy intersection last year is emblematic of the ineptitude and corruption that plague an administration that prides itself on following the straight path. ... Read more

January 28, 2016

By Charissa Luci | Manila Bulletin | January 1, 2016

Senatorial candidate Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez joined calls for Congress to look into the P3.81-billion maintenance contract of Metro Rail Transit-3 (MRT-3) which the government awarded to a Korean-Filipino joint venture. ... Read more

January 27, 2016

Editorial | The Philippine Star | January 2, 2016

A new year is upon us. Among the wishes of Filipinos has to be the release of driver’s licenses and vehicle license plates by the Land Transportation Office. Processing of the plates and driver’s licenses by the LTO in the previous year moved as slowly as vehicular traffic in Metro Manila during the lockdowns for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit. ... Read more

January 26, 2016

By Jarius Bondoc | The Philippine Star | January 4, 2016 

The sudden new chief at the Land Transportation Office, Roberto Cabrera, faces a tough task. In just six remaining months of the bungling administration, he must solve the shameful years-long backlog of vehicle license plates. The problem is “ripe,” but not as Cabrera likens it to “fruit ready for the picking.” It’s a bomb about to burst. His boss Transport Sec. Joseph Abaya had lit the fuse in hiring an unqualified maker of “tamper-proof” metal plates. The local principal, a mere backyard operation, is banned from government contracting due to forgery. The Dutch “technology partner” is undercapitalized. They simply have no capacity to fabricate 20 million four-wheeled vehicle and motorcycle tins. Abaya’s sin is catching up with him. The former LTO head left in a huff during the Christmas holidays, having had enough of covering up for Abaya. The latter must think putting in a new guy would get him off the hook. ... Read more

January 25, 2016

By Lira Dalangin-Fernandez | InterAksyon.com | January 5, 2016

MANILA, Philippines -- A year after the Light Rail Transit and Metro Rail Transit hiked their fares, the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan wants the Department of Transportation and Communication to disclose where the billions of pesos from the increase have gone. ... Read more

February 2, 2016

By Kristine De Guzman | CNN Philippines | January 22, 2016

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — A better Metro Rail Transit (MRT) system in the coming months is guaranteed by the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) to commuters with the arrival of new coaches. ... Read more

January 22, 2016

Inquirer.net | January 8, 2016

Nothing is improbable, especially when it comes to the Department of Transportation and Communication and the busy Metro Rail Transit Line 3—a situation that appears to be getting messier and messier. ... Read more

January 21, 2016

GMA News Online |  January 7, 2016

Former Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) General Manager Al Vitangcol III broke his silence in the face of the graft complaints filed against him, to the point of accusing the Sandiganbayan as being maneuvered by someone to hasten the court hearings and have him convicted of the charges. ... Read more

January 19, 2016

Rail Professional | January 19, 2016

Bombardier Thailand's signalling system is scheduled to replace the obsolete and current signalling system of the Philippines' Metro Rail Transit (MRT) 3 by April 2016. ... Read more

January 19, 2016

By Michael Punongbayan | The Philippine Star | January 19, 2016

The expenses for consultancy services of the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) ballooned to over P354.4 million in 2014, most of which was spent by the office of Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya. ... Read more

January 19, 2016

By Jovic Yee | Philippine Daily Inquirer | January 7, 2016

MANILA, Philippines — Barely a month after the Sandiganbayan indicted him for graft, former Metro Rail Transit (MRT)-3 chief Al Vitangcol III finally spoke his mind on Wednesday, wondering on the apparent swiftness and attention given to resolving the case filed against him, and hinting that Transportation Secretary Joseph Abaya was just as liable. ... Read more

January 18, 2016

By Gil Cabacungan | Philippine Daily Inquirer | December 27, 2015

A LAWMAKER is seeking a suspension of P3.81-billion long-term maintenance contract for the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) awarded by the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) to a Korean-Filipino group without bidding. ... Read more

January 15, 2016

By Editorial | The Standard | January 6, 2016

WE were astounded to hear Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya declare this week that experience and a track record did not matter when it came to the Filipino partners in a Korean-led consortium that was recently awarded a P4.25-billion maintenance contract for the Metro Rail Transit  system. ... Read more

January 14, 2016

By Robertzon Ramirez | The Philippine Star | January 6, 2016

MANILA, Philippines – Maintenance of the glitch-prone Metro Rail Transit (MRT) is uncertain after the South Korean firm opted out of a new deal and the Philippine-German contractor of the rolling stock and signaling systems also declined a one-month extension of its service. ... Read more

January 13, 2016

By Ernie Reyes | InterAksyon.com | January 6, 2016

MANILA – Senator Grace Poe on Wednesday urged President Aquino to take over the post of Transportation and Communications Secretary Emilio Abaya after his agency's failure to deliver promised new trains and other equipment for the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) System. ... Read more

January 12, 2016

By Peter Wallace | Inquirer.net | December 26, 2015

(Second of five parts)
ALL THE NINE cases cited Friday in the first part of this series on breached contracts are devastating in their negative impact on the community. But it would be good to start with the Metro Rail Transit 3 (MRT 3) given its prominence today and a fast and easy solution at hand—before a train falls off its worn-out rails onto Edsa and kills many.
The correct action is to give the maintenance contract back to Sumitomo and Mitsubishi which have proven their ability to do the job. No need for an open bidding, no search for the cheapest, just a choice of the companies proven to be competent. ... Read more

January 11, 2016

The Manila Times | January 4, 2016

THE next administration must show compassion in public service, according to Sen. Ferdinand Marcos Jr., saying this would address many of the problems that the country is facing. ... Read more

January 11, 2016

By Jarius Bondoc | The Philippine Star | January 11, 2016

“You morons,” a retired general texted about the P-Noy administration. “You will phase out jeepneys older than 15 years, in the name of modernization. Yet also to ‘modernize’ you buy combat-utility helicopters that are 50 years old.” ... Read more

January 20, 2016

By Lawrence Agcaoili | The Philippine Star | January 7, 2016

MANILA, Philippines - The Korean-Filipino group that bagged a P3.8-billion contract to maintain the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT 3) has not backed out from the three-year deal, the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) said yesterday. ... Read more

January 11, 2016

The Manila Times | December 27, 2015

IT does not seem at all coincidental that the disclosure of the awarding of a three-year, P3.81-billion maintenance contract for the troubled Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) was made during the busy holiday season, because it was just another in a now seemingly-unending string of sleazy, underhanded moves that the Aquino Administration would likely prefer the public not notice, or think about too much. ... Read more

January 8, 2016

By Jarius Bondoc | The Philippine Star | January 6, 2016

NEWSFLASH: The Korean firm that the government announced to be the new MRT-3 maintenance starting yesterday is backing out. Busan Transport Corp. wants to be a mere “technical advisor,” no longer the technology partner of the joint venture. ... Read more

January 8, 2016

By Jarius Bondoc | The Philippine Star | January 8, 2016 

Public safety requires that Transport Secretary Joseph Abaya say what’s really going on at the MRT-3 commuter rail. Is daily maintenance being done or not? Lives and limbs of hundreds of thousands of daily riders depend on it. So do millions of motorists and pedestrians on the busy avenue below. Taxpayers across the land deserve an accounting. ... Read more

January 8, 2016

By Miguel R. Camus | Philippine Daily Inquirer | December 29, 2015

The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) said it was on track to install 48 new train cars at the congested and glitch-prone Metro Rail Transit Line 3 in Metro Manila by 2017. ... Read more

January 7, 2016

By Aries Cano | December 29, 2015 | Abante

Kabado si Bayan Muna Rep. Neri Colme­nares, tumatakbo sa pagka-senador, sa nilalaman ng bagong ‘maintenance contract’ na pinasok ng Metro Rail Transit (MRT-3) na ini-award diumano nito nang walang bidding sa isang Korean company. ... Read more

January 6, 2016

By Erwin Tulfo | December 24, 2015 | The Manila Times

MANY of us make wishes beyond the personal level on the anniversary of the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ.

And how I wish attaining peace, justice and prosperity for Filipinos is as easy as unwrapping Christmas gifts from “Santa Claus” the way little kids do.

Unfortunately, we face the reality of unrealized wishes and experience continued strife, rampant injustice in various forms, widespread poverty and chaos to this day. ... Read more

January 5, 2016

By Azer N. Parrocha | December 24, 2015 | Philippine News Agency

MANILA, Philippines -- The Metro Rail Transit’s second new light rail vehicle (LRV) or coach has arrived as scheduled, the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) said Thursday. ... Read more

January 4, 2016

By Alfredo V. Asuncion | December 23, 2015 | Inquirer.net

Like other developing nations, we are confronted by economic, social and political issues that need attention—and resources—so that, through well-coordinated program of governance, the long yearned-for exponential advances may become attainable. ... Read more

December 28, 2015

Rosette Adel | Philstar | December 27, 2015

MANILA, Philippines –The  Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) reported  that there will be new coaches expected to be delivered next year.
... Read more

December 28, 2015

Hannah Torregoza | Manila Bulletin | December 25, 2015

Independent presidential aspirant Senator Grace Poe-Llamanzares said the awarding of the new, three –year multi-billion maintenance contract for the Metro Rail Transit-3 (MRT-3) needs thorough scrutiny noting it was done when the “people’s attention is elsewhere.”
... Read more

December 28, 2015

By Darwin G. Amojelar | The Standard | December 24, 2015

A Korean-Filipino group bagged a P3.81-billion long-term maintenance contract of Metro Rail Transit Line 3, the Transportation Department said Thursday.... Read more

December 28, 2015

By Eimor P. Santos | CNN Philippines | December 17, 2015

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) – The "tap and go" ticketing system which uses the beep card is “good to go,” the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) announced on Thursday (December 17). ... Read more

December 25, 2015

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — To ease the burden of shoppers this Christmas season, vice presidential hopeful Leni Robredo urged the government to extend the operating hours of Metro Manila's three train lines: the Light Rail Transit (LRT) Lines 1 and 2 and the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3). ... Read more

December 24, 2015

MANDALUYONG CITY, Dec. 18 -- The Department of Transportation and Communications’ (DOTC) first Public-Private Partnership Project, the Contactless Automated Fare Collection System (AFCS), has reached Full Systems Acceptance (FSA), marking the end of the trial period. ... Read more

December 23, 2015

By The Standard Editorial | The Standard | December 20, 2015

The remark was made in jest, the Palace is likely to say, now that the date is fast approaching. ... Read more

December 22, 2015

By Jon Viktor D. Cabuenas | GMA News | December 15, 2015

Top officials of Schunk Bahn Und-Industrietechnik GMBH and its venture partner Comm Builders Technology Phils. Corp. (SBI-CB&T) were supposedly barred from entering their office at the North Avenue MRT-3 station. ... Read more

December 21, 2015

By Jovic Yee | Philippine Daily Inquirer | December 16, 2015

UNLESS the government pays its balance of more than P100 million, there might not be enough trains to service the increased mass of commuters expected during the Christmas rush, the maintenance provider of the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT 3) warned Tuesday. ... Read more

December 18, 2015

By Trisha Macas | GMA News Online | December 15, 2015 

Operations of the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) were limited on Tuesday night after heavy rains brought flooding to the system's railways. ... Read more

December 17, 2015

By Business Mirror Editorial | Business Mirror | December 9, 2015

THE Metro Rail Transit (MRT) Line 3 has become not just a controversial project but a symbol of government incompetence. Once hailed as a heaven-sent solution to Metro Manila’s traffic gridlock, it has become a living hell for millions of Metro commuters who have to suffer the consequence of leadership failure every day. ... Read more

December 16, 2015

By Elizabeth Marcelo | GMA News | December 10, 2015

The anti-graft court Sandiganbayan has found probable cause to put on trial former Metro Rail Transit General Manager Al Vitangcol III for graft and violation of the procurement law in connection with the alleged anomalous awarding of the multi-million-dollar deal for the MRT's maintenance ... Read more

December 15, 2015

By Michael Punongbayan | The Philippine Star | December 11, 2015

MANILA, Philippines - The Sandiganbayan has issued three separate hold departure orders against former Metro Rail Transit 3 (MRT-3) general manager Al Vitangcol III, who is facing criminal charges for his alleged role in a train service maintenance deal anomaly. ... Read more

December 14, 2015

By Jarius Bondoc | The Philippine Star | December 14, 2015 

Get out of P-Noy’s shadow, one of Mar Roxas’ five disparate campaign teams has been urging him. Un-beholden to P-Noy, that unit doubts the vaunted magic of P-Noy’s anointment. On the contrary, it believes that Roxas, in echoing P-Noy’s insensitive remarks on hot issues, only pulls himself down. Like, on the “tanim bala” extortion racket (“Mere media sensationalizing”); on slashing income taxes (“Tell me first where you’ll get alternative revenues”); on the MRT-3 deterioration (“All the fault of the railway owner-builder”). The Roxas group studies the numbers. The four-percent rise in his poll ratings in Aug., a week after P-Noy’s endorsement, was but a momentary fluke. Are they right? ... Read more

December 10, 2015

By Darwin G. Amojelar | The Standard | December 6, 2015

The Transportation Department is still confident of taking over Metro Rail Transit Line 3 within the next six months, or before the end of the term of the Aquino administration. ... Read more

December 9, 2015

By Hannah Torregoza | Tempo | December 7, 2015

Senator Grace Poe-Llamanzares yesterday expressed her disappointment that the Ombudsman has excluded Department of Transportation and Communications (DoTC) Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya from criminal charges arising from the anomalous maintenance contract for the Metro Rail Transit 3 (MRT3).
... Read more

December 8, 2015

By Hannah Torregoza | Manila Bulletin | December 6, 2015

Senator Grace Poe-Llamanzares expressed her disappointment that the Ombudsman has excluded Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya from criminal charges arising from the anomalous maintenance contract for the Metro Rail Transit 3 (MRT3). ... Read more

December 7, 2015

By Marc Jayson Cayabyab | Inquirer.net | December 4, 2015

Former Metro Rail Transit (MRT 3) General Manager Al Vitangcol III has posted bail from three counts of graft before the Sandiganbayan.
Vitangcol on Friday paid P90,000, or P30,000 each, for his three counts of violations of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.
The Ombudsman charged Vitangcol for awarding without public bidding the maintenance contract for MRT 3 to Philippine Trans Rail Management and Services Corp. (PH Trams). ... Read more

December 4, 2015

By Rio N. Araja | The Standard | December 2, 2015

THE Office of the Ombudsman on Tuesday filed graft charges against former MRT-3 general manager Al Vitangcol and executives of a private corporation before the Sandiganbayan in connection with the MRT-3 interim maintenance contract in 2012. ... Read more

December 3, 2015

By Darwin G. Amojelar | The Standard | November 24, 2015

The SM Group rejected the concept presented by the Transportation Department to build two common stations for Metro Manila’s overhead train system in Quezon City, a top executive said Monday night ... Read more

December 2, 2015

By Carolyn Bonquin | ABS-CBN News | December 1, 2015

MANILA - The Ombudsman has filed charges of graft and violation of the Government Procurement Reform Act against former Metro Rail Transit 3 General Manager Al Vitangcol III and incorporators of PH Trams over the allegedly anomalous MRT-3 interim maintenance contract in 2012.

The Office of the Ombudsman filed charges against Vitangcol and five directors and incorporators of the Philippine Trams Rail Management and Services Corporation (PH Trams) before the Sandiganbayan. ... Read more

December 1, 2015

By Boo Chanco | Philstar.com | November 30, 2015

Mar Roxas told a forum last week that as far as the MRT is concerned, he did everything he could during his time as secretary of the DOTC. “I’m confident that we did all that we could do given what we could do at that time,” he said, pertaining to the issues hounding the Metro Rail Transit (MRT-3). ... Read more

November 27, 2015

By Christine O. Avendaño and Gil C. Cabacungan | Inquirer.net | November 27, 2015

Traffic, the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) and other transport woes took center stage when presidential contenders—Sen. Grace Poe and Liberal Party (LP) standard-bearer Mar Roxas—spoke on pressing issues in a forum on Wednesday night. ... Read more

November 26, 2015

ABS-CBN News | November 25, 2015

Presidential aspirant Mar Roxas on Wednesday said the administration tried its best in addressing the issues hounding the MRT system in the country. ... Read more

November 25, 2015

By Luci Lizares | Sun Star Bacolod | November 19, 2015

IT HAS been a pitiful sight these past days watching commuters taking to the streets carrying luggage and children because traffic was at a standstill with roads closed and blocked for the APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) Leaders’ Summit. ... Read more

November 24, 2015

By Nestor Corrales | Inquirer.net | November 12, 2015

More than four months after the unified ticketing system was launched, one million “beep cards” have been sold to commuters of the three elevated railways in Metro Manila, the private concessionaire AF Payments Inc. said on Thursday. ... Read more

November 23, 2015

By Cenon Bibe | Inquirer.net | November 18, 2015

Commuters swamped at least two MRT stations in Pasay and Makati Wednesday afternoon after government officials banned private and public vehicles on Edsa from Ayala Avenue to Roxas Boulevard due to the Apec summit.
The absence of private and public transportation left that stretch of Edsa empty, with only security personnel dotting the usually jammed thoroughfare. ... Read more

November 12, 2015

By Ruth Abbey Gita |  Sun Star Manila | November 11, 2015

SENATOR Francis Escudero hit Wednesday administration bet Manuel Roxas II for his proposal to terminate all existing bus franchises in Metro Manila, saying it was a “knee-jerk” solution to traffic woes in the metropolis. ... Read more

November 11, 2015

GMA News Online | November 9, 2015

Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya assured the Senate Monday that there will be an improvement in the services of Metro Rail Transit (MRT3) as new trains become operational in the first quarter of 2016. ... Read more

November 9, 2015

By Christina Mendez | The Philippine Star | November 9, 2015

MANILA, Philippines – The Senate subcommittee on public services will resume its public hearing today on Metro Manila’s light rail transit system. ... Read more

November 6, 2015

By Jerome Aning | Inquirer.net | July 29, 2015

IF there is anyone to blame for the sorry state of the Metro Rail Transit-3, it should be the Department of Transportation and Communications, according to a lawyer and spokesman for the private owners of the Edsa railway system. ... Read more

November 5, 2015

By Trisha Macas | GMA News Online | November 4, 2015

Presidential aspirant Senator Grace Poe on Thursday said that Liberal Party standard-bearer Mar Roxas is partly to blame for the current state of the Metro Rail Transit (MRT). ... Read more

November 4, 2015

By Marc Jayson Cayabyab | Inquirer.Net | November 3, 2015

A NORTH-BOUND Metro Rail Transit-3 train abruptly stopped at the Santolan station past 9 p.m. on Tuesday, causing panic among passengers. ... Read more

November 3, 2015

By Business Mirror | November 2, 2015

FILIPINOS may have lost a “great offer” for the P4.2-billion rehabilitation of the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) Line 3 due to technicality. ... Read more

November 2, 2015

By Joel R. San Juan | Business Mirror | November 2, 2015

THE Court of Appeals (CA) has denied the bid of the government to regain control of portions of Metro Rail Transit (MRT) Line 3, which was seized by the Makati City government for its failure to pay more than P1 billion worth of property taxes for the period covering 2000 to 2004. ... Read more

October 30, 2015

 By Jarius Bondoc | The Philippine Star | October 30, 2015

Secret talks for a three-year rehab of the MRT-3 commuter rail ended yesterday, with Transport Sec. Joseph Abaya’s preferred company bagging it. ... Read more

October 28, 2015

By Lorenz S. Marasigan | Business Mirror | October 27, 2015

Conclusion

THERE is no stopping the government from executing the multibillion-peso buyout of the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) Line 3’s private owner, even if experts see it as an unfitting way to address the chronic problems of the train system. ... Read more

October 27, 2015

By Lorenz S. Marasigan | Business Mirror | October 26, 2015

Second of three parts

DESPITE their opposition to the buyout deal that the government wants to execute, the majority shareholders of Metro Rail Transit Corp. (MRTC) are still open to a takeover, provided state officials will stop playing around and start properly talking with the real stakeholders. ... Read more

October 26, 2015

By Lorenz S. Marasigan | Business Mirror | October 26, 2015

First of three parts

The key to effectively ferry vast numbers of people from one place to another is through mass-transit systems, such as railways. In Asia, the Philippines is proud to have been the first country to have developed such a light-rail transit system in the early 1980s. Its neighbors soon followed its footsteps, and started their own journey into building massive train lines to improve mobility and lessen traffic congestion. ... Read more

October 22, 2015

By Lorenz S. Marasigan | Business Mirror | October 21, 2015

DESPITE the little time that it has to launch—much less complete—the multibillion-peso buyout of the Metro Rail Transit 3 (MRT 3), the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) is still hopeful that the transaction would be executed in three months or less. ... Read more

October 20, 2015

By  Lorenz S. Marasigan | Business Mirror | October 20, 2015

THE original supplier of the old trains of the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) Line 3 and a local rail- maintenance provider have teamed up to vie for the P4.3-billion maintenance contract of the mass-transit system. ... Read more

October 19, 2015

By Roderick T. dela Cruz | The Standard | October 18, 2015

Who built the light rail vehicles used in Metro Rail Transit Line 3 is now a question that may affect the outcome of an emergency procurement for the three-year maintenance contract of the 16.9-kilometer line that serves nearly 600,000 passengers a day. ... Read more

October 14, 2015

By Jarius Bondo | The Philippine Star | October 14, 2015

Transport Sec. Joseph Abaya has spent and is spending a stupendous P10.07 billion on the MRT-3 since 2012. He even doubled the fares since the New Year. Yet all he has to show for it are broken rails and coaches, dilapidated stations and daily breakdowns, and long lines of commuters waiting for rides under the sun or rain. ... Read more

October 12, 2015

By Jerome R. Paunan | Philippine Information Agency | October 11, 2015

The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) has awarded a P160-million improvement project for the Metro Rail Line 3 (MRT-3) system to minimize operational disruptions by ensuring better track upkeep. ... Read more

October 9, 2015

By Jarius Bondoc | The Philippine Star | October 9, 2015

There he goes again. Transport Sec. Joseph Abaya is purchasing a P160-million rail grinder for the MRT-3 – an unnecessary, overpriced expense, according to train experts.

To smoothen the 17-km-long commuter railway, the equipment is used very sparingly, only once or twice a year. As such, Abaya could just make the MRT-3 maintenance servicer provide the costly machine, rail engineers say. ... Read more

October 8, 2015

By Rosalie C. Periabras | The Manila Times | October 7, 2015

THE Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) acquired a P160-million rail grinding machine to ensure better track upkeep and minimize operational disruptions on the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) system. ... Read more

October 7, 2015

By Gerard dela Pena | News5 | October 6, 2015

The first day of the implementation of the beep cards at Metro Rail Transit stations was greeted with complaints as passengers complained of long lines at teller’s booths on Monday. ... Read more

October 8, 2015

By Jacque Manabat | ABS-CBN News | October 5, 2015

MANILA - The implementation of the new ticketing system at the stations of the Metro Rail Transit-Line 3 (MRT-3) for the first working week didn't go as expected. ... Read more

October 6, 2015

By Lorenz S. Marasigan | Business Mirror | October 5, 2015

WHILE the country’s three overhead railway systems already shifted from the magnetic ticketing scheme to the unified, tap-and-go setup, the builder and owner of the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) Line 3 is not convinced the migration will make any difference to the train’s messy situation.  ... Read more

October 5, 2015

By ABS-CBNnews.com | ABS-CBNnews.com | October 4, 2015

Watch video report here

The Metro Rail Transit-3 (MRT-3) on Saturday started using its new "Beep card" ticketing system at the train stations. ... Read more

October 2, 2015

ABS-CBNnews.com | October 1, 2015

MANILA - Passengers of the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) may experience less disruptions in the coming months with the go-signal of the upgrade of the railway's signaling system. ... Read more

October 1, 2015

By Nestor Corrales | INQUIRER.net | October 1, 2015

The Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) has awarded the signaling system upgrade project of the Metro Rail Transit (MRT-3) to a Canadian company as part of the agency’s railway rehabilitation efforts. ... Read more

September 30, 2015

By Kristine De Guzman | CNN Philippines | September 4, 2015

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) unveiled the MRT prototype on Thursday (September 3) as engineers from China completed its assembly. ... Read more

September 29, 2015

By Jacque Manabat | ABS-CBN News | September 28, 2015

MANILA - Passengers of the Metro Rail Transit-3 (MRT-3) can now purchase the new "beep" cards in five stations. ... Read more

September 28, 2015

By Miguel R. Camus | Philippine Daily Inquirer | September 27, 2015

The tap-and-go Beep card system will be used on the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT) starting Oct. 3 in a move that will bring all three elevated trains in Metro Manila under a single payment platform, according to the company behind the project. ... Read more

September 25, 2015

By Estrella Torres | Business Mirror | September 22, 2015

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) is seeking more than P20.5-billion allocation in the 2016 proposed national budget to ease the worsening traffic in Edsa and other parts of Metro Manila. ... Read more

September 24, 2015

By Daphne J. Magturo | Business World | September 21, 2015

A UNIT of Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT) yesterday said it is introducing to the Philippine market a payment card that is similar to Hong Kong’s Octopus card, which can be used for commuting as well as online and physical store purchases. ... Read more

September 23, 2015

By Christina Mendez | The Philippine Star | September 21, 2015

MANILA, Philippines - Sen. Grace Poe yesterday urged officials of the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) to adhere to its commitment to the public that the rehabilitation of the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) system will be finished on schedule. ... Read more

September 22, 2015

The Wallace Business Forum | September 9, 2015

PREAMBLE

This is quite a negative report, but it is based on the facts of the cases covered. It is, therefore, a report the government should accept and take action to correct as it does not give a picture of a government that cares for investors and wishes to treat them well. ... Read more

September 22, 2015

By Jess Diaz | The Philippine Star | September 19, 2015

MANILA, Philippines - The government is still planning to buy out private investors in Metro Rail Transit 3 (MRT-3), the rail line along Edsa, to allow it to completely take over and manage the facility. ... Read more

September 21, 2015

By Lorenz S. Marasigan | Business Mirror | September 20, 2015

IT seems that the private company tasked to roll out the new ticketing scheme in the country’s overhead railway systems is pressed for time to meet its target, with only a few days left for it to completely install the facility in the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) Line 3. ... Read more

September 17, 2015

By Jarius Bondoc | The Philippine Star | September 16, 2015

Transport Sec. Joseph Abaya’s alibis are becoming sillier than ever. For secret negotiating with unnamed parties a P4.5-billion rehab of the MRT-3 commuter train, he claimed “emergency procurement.” Experts readily proved him illegal. No unforeseen calamity struck to justify rush contracting; Congress had set aside the budget as far back as 2013, for work to be done in three foreknown years. Even if there is an emergency, it still does not merit secret granting of such huge amount. ... Read more

September 16, 2015

By Jovee Marie de la Cruz | Business Mirror | September 15, 2015

The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) has invited four foreign companies to participate in the bidding for the maintenance contract of the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT 3). ... Read more

September 15, 2015

By Jarius Bondoc | The Philippine Star | September 11, 2015

Defying Congress calls for openness, transport officials continued this week secret contracting for a P4.25-billion rehab of the MRT-3 commuter rail. ... Read more

September 14, 2015

By Louella D. Desiderio | The Philippine Star | September 14, 2015

MANILA, Philippines - Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC) is open to working with current partners in the Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1) Cavite extension project for two other public-private partnership (PPP) rail projects recently approved by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board.  ... Read more

September 11, 2015

By GMA News | GMA News Online | September 11, 2015

The Department of Transportation and Communications and the MRT-3 project team are meeting the German suppliers next week in China to fast track the testing of the Metro Rail Transit 3 (MRT-3) prototype train. ... Read more

September 10, 2015

By Rosalie C. Periabras | The Manila Times | September 10, 2015

The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) and the MRT-3 project team are heading for Dalian in China next week to meet with the German suppliers of traction systems, gearboxes, and brake systems. ... Read more

September 9, 2015

By: Ernie Reyes | InterAksyon.com | September 8, 2015

MANILA, Philippines -- It will take at least six more months for Metro Manila’s train-riding commuters can expect any reprieve from the long lines and cramped rides they have been enduring for months. ... Read more

September 8, 2015

By Joel E. Zurbano | The Manila Standard Today | September 8, 2015

Commuters continued to suffer from  glitches at the Metro Railway Transit on Monday after  MRT’s  operation was disrupted by a defective door during the morning rush hour. ... Read more

September 7, 2015

By Inquirer |  Inquirer.net | September 4, 2015

The prototype for a new batch of badly needed trains for the congested Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT 3) has begun assembly in the Philippines ahead of the government’s plan to begin taking deliveries of new train cars by early next year. ... Read more

September 4, 2015

By Jarius Bondoc | The Philippine Star | September 2, 2015

The transport department began yesterday secret negotiations for a P4.25-billion contract in Metro Manila’s MRT-3 commuter rail. ... Read more

September 3, 2015

By Kevin Manalo | ABS-CBN News | September 3, 2015

MANILA - After months of deliberation, meetings and approval by the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) and the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) management, the new train set prototype from the Chinese company CNR Dalian Locomotive and Rolling Stock Co. Ltd., has begun its assembly today. ... Read more

September 3, 2015

By ABS-CBNnews.com | ABS-CBNnews.com | August 28, 2015

MANILA – Senator Grace Poe wants to inspect the prototype train for the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) when the Senate panel resumes its hearing on the railway system on September 10. ... Read more

September 3, 2015

By Roderick T. dela Cruz | Manila Standard Today | August 29, 2015

Hundreds of commuters formed dizzying queues outside North Ave. station  of Metro Rail Transit Line 3 along Edsa in Quezon City at 8 a.m. of Aug. 28 and endured at least an hour of waiting for their turn to ride the train bound for the southern part of Metro Manila. ... Read more

September 2, 2015

By Louise Maureen Simeon | The Philippine Star | August 27, 2015

MANILA - Despite complaints over long queue lines in the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) and problems in the newly-implemented tap-and-go system or beep cards in the Light Rail Transit (LRT), the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) has outlined further plans for the country’s mass transit system. ... Read more

August 27, 2015

By Kris Bayos | Tha Manila Bulletin | August 26, 2015

The government is adding 183 kilometers of mass transit lines across Metro Manila by 2021 in a bid to encourage lesser number of private cars on the road and decongest traffic. ... Read more

August 26, 2015

By: Jocelyn R. Uy | Inquirer.net | August 24, 2015

Yes, being stuck in a traffic jam daily can kill you, according to health experts. ... Read more

August 25, 2015

By Rex Remitio | CNN Philippines | August 24, 2015

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — The Land Transporation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) confirmed on Monday (August 24) that "MRT Bus" operations will be regularized after a month of experimentation. ... Read more

August 24, 2015

By Delon Porcalla | The Philippine Star | August 20, 2015

MANILA, Philippines - It may be ruining the day for thousands daily, but at least it’s “not fatal,” Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya said of Metro Manila’s traffic mess. ... Read more

August 20, 2015

By Joel E. Zurbano | Manila Standard Today | August 20, 2015

THE country’s largest labor organization tore into Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya  Wednesday  for being arrogant and insensitive to the plight of commuters after he remarked  Monday  that heavy traffic brought about by the extension of the city train system would not prove fatal. ... Read more

August 19, 2015

By: Author | InterAksyon.com | August 17, 2015

MANILA - Vice President Jejomar Binay on Monday reiterated his appeal to Malacanang and the justice department to respect the independence of the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) as a religious institution. ... Read more

August 18, 2015

By Author | Inquirer.net | August 15, 2015

The prototype for the new trains of the Metro Rail Transit (MRT-3) has arrived in Manila, the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) has said. ... Read more

August 17, 2015

By Author | The Manila Times | August 10, 2015

MORE people are saying that this is a matter of extreme urgency and concern to our country. ... Read more

August 14, 2015

By Federico D. Pascual Jr. | The Philippine Star | August 11, 2015

OF THE SEVEN systems needed to make the Metro Rail Transit Line-3 (MRT-3) run safely and efficiently, signaling is probably the most crucial. In a worse-case scenario, faulty signaling can cause trains to collide resulting in loss of lives and property. ... Read more

August 13, 2015

By Raul Dancel | The Strait Times | August 8, 2015

Mired by frequent breakdowns and accidents, the ageing and badly maintained rail system strains to cater to a rapidly ballooning population. A congressional probe finds problems are due to a flawed public-private partnership. ... Read more

August 12, 2015

By Christina Mendez | The Philippine Star | August 9, 2015

(Conclusion)

MANILA, Philippines - Hounded by periodic breakdowns, long queues at ticket booths and jampacked trains, Congress allocated P1.2 billion in 2014 and P2.44 billion in 2015 for the Metro Rail Transit 3 (MRT3)’s capacity expansion and rehabilitation projects, which are allegedly still not being done. ... Read more

August 11, 2015

By Christina Mendez | The Philippine Star | August 11, 2015

MANILA, Philippines - Senators would like to get an update on the new Metro Rail Transit 3 coaches when the public hearing of the subcommittee on public services resumes within the month. ... Read more

August 10, 2015

By Louella D. Desiderio | The Philippine Star | August 10, 2015

MANILA - The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) has presented its draft agreement to SM Prime Holdings Inc. to address the deadlock on the common station that would link the Light Rail Transit (LRT) and Metro Rail Transit (MRT). ... Read more

August 8, 2015

By DJ Yap | Inquirer.net | August 6, 2015

Who will take the blame for future breakdowns in the metro train system? ... Read more

August 7, 2015

MANILA - The House Committee on Metro Manila Development is asking the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) to present the people behind the new maintenance service providers of the Metro Rail Transit-3 (MRT-3). ... Read more

August 6, 2015

By Inquirer.net | Inquirer.net | August 5, 2015

THE WOEFUL inadequacy of public transport is not just a traffic problem because of the gridlocks that too many private vehicles cause, but is also a health issue. The commuters who waste time standing in line to squeeze into the MRT and LRT, buses and jeepneys are not just stressed, but are inhaling the toxic fumes, particularly carbon monoxide, that motor vehicles emit. ... Read more

August 5, 2015

By GMA News Online | GMA News Online | August 5, 2015

The prototype of the new train cars for the EDSA MRT is expected "to arrive at the Port of Manila within the week of August 10-14," to the Department of Transportation and Communication has said. ... Read more

August 4, 2015

By Patricia Lourdes Viray | Philstar.com | August 3, 2015

MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Jejomar Binay on Monday hit the faulty operations of the Metro Rail Transit (MRT), the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) and the Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP) in his own version of the state of the nation address (SONA). ... Read more

August 3, 2015

By Louella D. Desiderio | The Philippine Star | August 3, 2015 

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) is looking to come up with a compromise agreement this week to address the impasse on the common train station to link the Light Rail Transit (LRT) and Metro Rail Transit (MRT). ... Read more

July 30, 2015

By Lorenz Marasigan | Business Mirror | July 29, 2015

The owner of the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) Line 3 lashed back at President Aquino on Wednesday, calling him a “misinformed” man whose statements about the train system were “twisted.” ... Read more

July 30, 2015

By The Manila Times | July 29, 2015

Railway operations will not be affected by the Metro Manila Earthquake Drill Thursday (July 30) although personnel of the Metro Rail Transit (MRT-3) and the Light Rail Transit (LRT) Lines 1 and 2 will participate in the drill, the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) said.  ... Read more

July 31, 2015

By Mikas Matsuzawa | CNN Philippines | July 29, 2015

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — Instead of the usual queue of people, a line of buses was seen at the North Avenue Station of MRT-3 early Tuesday morning (July 28). ... Read more

July 30, 2015

By Katerina Francisco | Rappler | July 28, 2015

In his last State of the Nation Address, President Aquino yet again blames 'political decisions' for the deteriorating state of the MRT. He said the same 5 years ago. ... Read more

July 29, 2015

By Delon Porcalla and Jess Diaz | The Philippine Star | July 28, 2015

MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino took up the cudgels yesterday for Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya for the mess involving the country’s light railway system. ... Read more

July 28, 2015

By Jaymee T. Gamil | Inquirer.net | July 27, 2015

MANILA, Philippines–Sitting on an imitation of a derailed commuter train, President Aquino’s effigy for his final State of the Nation Address (Sona) on Monday is the biggest and “most ambitious” created so far by a militant artists’ group since 2010. ... Read more

July 27, 2015

By Erwin Tulfo | The Manila Times | July 26, 2015

We have long been saying that the Metro Rail Transit 3 (MRT 3) is a microcosm of Noynoy Aquino’s administration, which is one hell of a terminal case. ... Read more

July 26, 2015

By Gwen de la Cruz | Rappler | July 25, 2015

MANILA, Philippines - Everyday, more than half a million Filipinos in Metro Manila use the Metro Rail Transit (MRT3) and Light Rail Transit (LRT2). ... Read more

July 23, 2015

By Malou Tiquia | GMA News Online | July 24, 2015

To any Juan dela Cruz, a government is defined by the basic services and social justice it provides. After all, government is there to fulfill a social contract as Hobbes, Locke, and Rousseau wrote centuries ago. ... Read more

July 22, 2015

By Author | GMA News Online | July 23, 2015

(Updated 9 a.m.) A train's defective door caused the Metro Rail Transit to stop shortly its southbound trip on Thursday morning. ... Read more

July 21, 2015

By Rosalie C. Periabras | The ManilaTimes | July 16, 2015

The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) has awarded the contract for the maintenance of 34 escalators and 32 elevators of the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) system to International Elevator & Equipment, Inc. (IEEI). ... Read more

July 15, 2015

By Boo Chanco | Philippine Star | July 15, 2015

The press release from DOTC touts the awarding of one of the MRT-3 maintenance contracts to a “German Filipino joint venture.” But the release also identified the Filipino firm is Comm Builders & Technology. It is represented by the same person who is also president of PH Trams, who in Oct. 10, 2012 received a Notice to Proceed on the controversial MRT-3 maintenance contract worth $ 1,150,000.00 a month. ... Read more

July 14, 2015

By Raul J. Palabrica | Philippine Daily Inquirer | July 12, 2015

WHO should be held liable for entering into a maintenance contract for Metro Rail Transit 3 (MRT-3) without public bidding? ... Read more

July 9, 2015

By Michael Punongbayan | The Philippine Star) | Updated July 10, 2015

MANILA, Philippines - One of the directors of the former maintenance service provider of the Metro Rail Transit-3 system appears to be part of the MRT-3’s new maintenance service provider. ... Read more

July 8, 2015

By Maricel Cruz, Joel E. Zurbano | Manila Standard Today | July 08, 2015 

THE Aquino administration’s train coach deal with Chinese state company threatens the sustainability of the country’s transport system and makes it vulnerable to Chinese bullying, member of the Makabayan Bloc in the House of Representatives said on Tuesday. ... Read more

July 7, 2015

By Frederico D. Pascual Jr. | Philippine Star | July 6, 2015

ALTHOUGH Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya approved and signed the questioned maintenance contract for the decrepit Metro Rail Transit Line-3, he tossed the blame to his people in the MRT-3 bids and awards committee.

Having taken over the Department of Transportation and Communication on Oct. 18, 2012, or two days before the contract was awarded to an under-capitalized and inexperienced firm controlled by persons with insider connection, Abaya claimed he was not aware the award was defective.

At the very least, some quarters think, Abaya should be charged with negligence or incompetence.

His “I came in late’ excuse would place the blame for the irregular contract on his immediate predecessor in the DoTC, now Interior Secretary Mar Roxas, who must have overseen the drawing up of the $1.15-million-a-month contract before Abaya took over.

Malacañang yesterday defended Abaya, but stopped short of throwing back the blame to Roxas, who looms as the administration-Liberal Party presidential bet in the May 2016 elections.

Poe asks why Ombudsman excluded Abaya

PRESS Secretary Sonny Coloma said the dropping of Abaya from the graft charges arising from the MRT contract was an act of the Office of the Ombudsman which, he pointed out, is a constitutional office beyond the influence of the Executive department.

He was reacting to Sen. Grace Poe’s questioning the Ombudsman’s exempting Abaya despite his being a signatory to the contract awarded to Philippine Trans Rail Management and Services Corp. (PH Trams). The contract was renewed three times until Sept. 4, 2013.

“I would like to read in full the text of the resolution to find the reasons why Abaya was not included despite having allegedly signed the contract presumably with full knowledge of the facts and the applicable law surrounding such anomalous procurement of services,” Poe said Sunday.

Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales indicted only former MRT-3 general manager Al Vitangcol III for graft along with Wilson de Vera, Marlo de la Cruz, Manolo Maralit, Federico Remo and Arturo Soriano, all PH Trams incorporators.

Reports had it that Vitangcol was also the MRT chief end-user, head of the negotiating team and member of the bids and awards committee. Soriano was reportedly his uncle-in-law.

The Aquino administration had five years to fix the aging MRT-3 system, but did not bother. From 40 trains, only seven are now running on rickety rails when they do not crash or stall because of some defects or failure in the system.... Read more

July 7, 2015

By Atty. Dodo Dulay | The Manila Times | July 6, 2015

THE announcement of the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) two weeks ago that it would start issuing “excuse slips” to commuters if they are late for work due to the breakdown of the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) illustrates the propensity of the Aquino administration to resort to palliative solutions or finger pointing to cover up its failures and inept governance. ... Read more

July 7, 2015

By Louis Bacani | Philippine Star | July 6, 2015

MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang on Monday dismissed allegations that the Aquino administration is protecting Transportation Secretary Joseph Abaya in connection with the maintenance contract for the decrepit Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3). ... Read more

July 6, 2015

By Adelle Chua | The Manila Standard | Jul. 06, 2015

In the past few years, the cries of Metro Manila commuters have become louder and more desperate. ... Read more

July 6, 2015

By Vito Barcelo | Manila Standard | Jul. 05, 2015

THE camp of Vice President Jejomar Binay lashed out at Interior Secretary Mar Roxas for using his present position for personal political aggrandizement. ... Read more

July 6, 2015

By Julliane Love De Jesus | Philippine Daily Inquirer | July 4th, 2015

ILIGAN CITY—”It’s the Ombudsman’s decision, not mine,” Interior Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas II said when asked to comment on critics implicating him in an allegedly anomalous Metro Rail Transit (MRT) maintenance contract. ... Read more

July 6, 2015

By Christina Mendez | The Philippine Star | Updated July 6, 2015

MANILA, Philippines - Sen. Grace Poe questioned yesterday the decision of the Office of the Ombudsman not to file charges against Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya in connection with the maintenance contract for the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3), whose operations have been marred with glitches in recent months. ... Read more

July 6, 2015

By Lawrence Agcaoili | The Philippine Star | Updated July 6, 2015 

 MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) is set to start the rail rehabilitation project for the Metro Rail Transit line 3 (MRT-3) with the delivery last week of brand new steel rails to ensure safer and smoother rides. ... Read more

July 6, 2015

By Aries Joseph Hegina | Philippine Daily Inquirer | July 5, 2015

Senator Grace Poe on Sunday questioned why Transportation Secretary Joseph E.A Abaya was not among officials to be charged by the Ombudsman in the allegedly anomalous $11.5-million maintenance contract for the Metro Rail Transit (MRT). ... Read more

July 1, 2015

By Andreo Calonzo | GMA News | June 29, 2015

Vice President Jejomar Binay is not helping solve problems problems with the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) by simply criticizing and not presenting solutions, Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya said Monday. ... Read more

July 1, 2015

By The Standard | July 1, 2015

FORMER Negros Oriental congressman Jacinto “Jing” Paras challenged DILG secretary Mar Roxas on Tuesday to reveal what really happened in the MRT bribery scandal since Roxas was the one who initially signed the billion peso MRT maintenance contract in favor of PH Trams. ... Read more

July 1, 2015

By Miguel R. Camus | Philippine Daily Inquirer | July 1, 2015

THE DEPARTMENT of Transportation and Communications said it had awarded the contract for the largest maintenance component of the congested Metro Rail Transit Line 3 in Metro Manila to a German-Filipino group. ... Read more

June 30, 2015

By ABS-CBNnews.com | June 28, 2015

MANILA - Vice President Jejomar Binay said the “train coffins” in Metro Manila are proof of the Aquino administration’s failure in serving the public’s needs. ... Read more

June 26, 2015

By Rappler.com | June 25, 2015

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) awarded to Jardine Schindler Elevator Corporation the contract for the restoration of the conveyance facilities at the aging Metro Rail Transit line 3 (MRT3) along EDSA. ... Read more

June 24, 2015

Patricia de Leon | CNN Philippines | June 23, 2015

Ronnie Vanguardia leaves home early but still arrives late to work at times due to malfunctions in the MRT. ... Read more

June 23, 2015

By Patricia de Leon| June 19, 2015| CNN Philippines

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — The Department of Transportation and Communications has awarded four of the seven components of the MRT's upkeep to four firms — and two of them are affiliated to current maintenance provider Autre Porte Technique Global Inc. (APT Global). ... Read more

June 22, 2015

By Conrado Banal | Philippine Daily Inquirer | June 22, 2015

THE MALACAÑANG boys of our leader Benigno Simeon, aka BS, recently said sorry—once again with feelings—over the dismal state of the Edsa light rail system known as MRT. ... Read more

June 22, 2015

By Llanesca T. Panti with Jayson Cruz Luna | The Manila Times | June 19, 2015

The four maintenance contractors of Metro Rail Transit (MRT) 3 all have poor reputation, according to Bayan Muna party-list lawmakers. ... Read more

June 22, 2015

By InterAksyon.com | June 20, 2015 

MANILA, Philippines -- A scientists’ organization called for the immediate nationalization of the rundown Metro Rail Transit system, saying allowing a private firm to operate the commuter train line was an “abandonment of … responsibility” that “is the primary factor” in frequent breakdowns and accidents. ... Read more

June 17, 2015

By Rappler.com | Jun 17, 2015

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) promised passengers a tangible improvements in the Metro Rail Transit line 3 (MRT3), with the award of 4 of 7 maintenance contracts for the mass transit system. ... Read more

June 15, 2015

By Boo Chanco | Philippine Star | June 12, 2015 

“These days, thousands of MRT passengers have to wait longer in kilometric lines before they could get inside the train since only seven MRT trains are operational. Originally, there were 60 trains. Last year, the number dropped to 20, then 14, and nine, and now, seven. Apparently, the target was to have zero operational trains. The government is on the right track. Congratulations!” ... Read more

June 11, 2015

By Melissa Luz T. Lopez | Business World | June 10, 2015

THE INSTALLATION of a new train ticketing system for the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) Line 3 has been pushed back to July after the contract to put it up and other agreements to improve train service have yet to be finalized. ... Read more

June 10, 2015

By Katerina Francisco | Rappler | June 10, 2015

MANILA, Philippines – The number of breakdowns, glitches, and service interruptions of the Metro Rail Transit 3 (MRT3) has worsened since the start of the year, according to data presented to the House transportation committee on Wednesday, June 10. ... Read more

June 10, 2015

by Kris Bayos | Manila Bulletin | June 10, 2015

The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) is hiking the proposed budget for the three-year maintenance contract of the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) 3 to P4.2 billion, which is almost double than the the original allocation. ... Read more

June 10, 2015

By Cai Ordinario | Business Mirror | June 8, 2015

The national government has created a P1.92-trillion-worth pipeline of various infrastructure projects that will be undertaken in the medium and long term, according to data obtained from the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda). ... Read more

June 9, 2015

By Nestor Corrales | INQUIRER.net | June 9, 2015

“A fare hike is not a miracle solution.”

That was how Metro Rail Transit (MRT-3) general manager Roman Buenafe said amid criticisms that the fare hike implemented by MRT and the Light Rail Transit (LRT) early 2015 did not result to improvements on the trains’ services. ... Read more

June 9, 2015

By Jovee Marie de la Cruz | Business Mirror | June 1, 2015

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Monday opposed the proposal suspending the number-coding scheme for public utility buses whenever the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT 3) breaks down. ... Read more

June 4, 2015

By Patricia De Leon | CNN Philippines | June 04, 2015

Frustrated passengers walked out of the North Avenue station on Tuesday (June 2) when the first trip at 4:30 a.m. was delayed by half an hour. ... Read more

June 4, 2015

By Philippine News Agency | InterAksyon | June 04, 2015

MANILA -- Apologizing for the long queues that MRT commuters had to endure on Tuesday due to the lack of available trains, a Palace official explained that the number of trains deployed is determined on a daily basis to ensure the safety of passengers. ... Read more

June 4, 2015

By Nestor Corrales | Inquirer |June 3, 2015

President Benigno Aquino III should order an “immediate and indefinite suspension” of the metro railways fare hike following a series of technical glitches and accidents involving its trains. ... Read more

June 1, 2015

By Jairus Bondoc | Philippine Star | June 1, 2015

One Gen. Arnulfo Acedera, claiming to be majority owner of Global Epcom, disputed my column of May 15, 2015, on the dilapidated MRT-3 that the firm is supposed to maintain. In a Letter to the Editor last week he employed obfuscation, a cheap trick, to feign the truth. ... Read more

May 26, 2015

By Joel E. Zurbano | Manila Standard Today | May 26, 2015

THE management of Metro Rail Transit 3 was forced to stop serving North Avenue in Quezon City to Shaw Boulevard in Mandaluyong City Monday afternoon because of a plastic material that was thrown into an electricity cable at the Ortigas Avenue Station. ... Read more

May 25, 2015

By Nestor Corrales | Inquirer.net | May 23, 2015

Following the series of technical glitches and accidents that hit metro’s railways systems, two lawmakers said the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) should be held liable for the trains’ deteriorating condition. ... Read more

May 22, 2015

By Troy Palanca | Rappler | May 18, 2015

The Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT) has been operating at 142% capacity since 2004.

New prototype trains have been scheduled to arrive in 2015, but the actual deployment will still be in the following year. ... Read more

May 21, 2015

By Michel Punongbayan & Ed Punay | The Philippine Star | May 14, 2015

MANILA, Philippines - The Commission on Audit (COA) has ordered the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) to collect P52.782 million in penalties from Metro Rail Transit maintenance service provider Global-APT Joint Venture that former MRT general manager Al Vitangcol III allegedly tried to save the firm from paying in 2013. ... Read more

May 20, 2015

By Shakira Sison | Rappler | May 14, 2015

'The MRT's half a million daily passengers really only want to get to work in the morning and get home at night without ridiculous wait times or risking their lives' ... Read more

May 19, 2015

By Darwin G. Amojelar | Manila Standard Today | May. 10, 2015

The government is likely to reject unsolicited proposals to expand the Metro Rail Transit Line 3, citing legal issues. ... Read more

May 15, 2015

By: Ernie Reyes | InterAksyon.com | May 13, 2015

MANILA, Philippines -- Senator Grace Poe blasted Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya on Wednesday, saying he had broken the promise he made during budget hearings for the upgrading of the Metro Rail Transit as technical glitches, system breakdowns and a dire lack of trains continue to plague the system.... Read more

May 11, 2015

By Jay Sabale | GMA News Online | May 11, 2015

At the MRT North Avenue station on Monday, May 11, commuters endure long lines just to try to ride the MRT. Only eight out of 20 trains of the Metro Rail Transit were operating as of Monday morning, inconveniencing many commuters. The four-minute ordinary waiting time in stations between trains became 10 minutes. Some train passengers opted not to ride the ... Read more

April 30, 2015

By INQUIRER.net | April 30, 2015

THOUSANDS of disappointed passengers flooded the southbound lane of Edsa in Quezon City Thursday morning after the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT 3) abruptly suspended operations. ... Read more

April 29, 2015

By Patricia de Leon | CNN Philippines | April 28, 2015

Recent data showed that the number of passengers who ride the MRT daily went down by over 100,000. A number of factors that contributed to the decline were the fare increase, ... Read more

April 23, 2015

By Stanley Baldwin O. See | GMA News Online | April 23, 2015

The Philippines’ rail system is taking one step forward to the future with the news of a new unified ticketing system to be launched soon. While the physical rails and trains remain in limbo, the Automatic Fare Collection System (AFCS) introduces a smart contactless technology that rivals those of our Asian neighbors like Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan and Malaysia. ... Read more

April 23, 2015

By Nestor Corrales | INQUIRER.net | April 23, 2015

They boarded the train only to be told to get off after a few minutes of waiting.

Passengers who boarded a southbound train of the Metro Rail Transit (MRT-3) on Thursday noon at the North Avenue station were disappointed why they were asked to unload it due to a technical glitch. ... Read more

April 21, 2015

By Katerina Francisco | Rappler | April 21, 2015

MANILA, Philippines – Only 5 trains of the Metro Rail Transit (MRT3) were running on Tuesday afternoon, April 21, triggering long queues and angering commuters who had been lining up for hours. ... Read more

April 21, 2015

By INQUIRER.net | April, 21, 2015

Hundreds of Metro Rail Transit (MRT-3) passengers were stranded Tuesday noon after one of its trains experienced a technical glitch, Radyo Inquirer 990AM reported. ... Read more

April 14, 2015

By Maila Ager | Philippine Daily Inquirer | March 27, 2015

Passengers  of  Metro Rail Transit-3 (MRT-3), who were suffocated  and forced to walk  on railways  Thursday  night  due to  another technical glitch, should be  compensated  accordingly, Sen. Grace Poe said Friday. ... Read more

March 29, 2015

ABS-CBNnews.com | March 27, 2015

MANILA - The Light Rail Transit (LRT) and Metro Rail Transit (MRT) have released their operation schedules for the Holy Week. ... Read more

March 29, 2015

By Rose-An Jessica Dioquino | GMA News Online | March 25, 2015

A unified ticketing system for LRT Lines 1 and 2 and MRT Line 3 is expected to be introduced in the next few months, with a tap-and-load card that is expected to shorten queuing time and make transfers from one rail to another seamless. ... Read more

March 27, 2015

 INQUIRER.net | 1:12 AM | Friday, March 27th, 2015

MANILA, Philippines—Passengers of a northbound Metro Rail Transit (MRT-3) train on Thursday evening were forced to walk along the railway at the Santolan station after the train suffered a technical glitch. ... Read more

March 24, 2015

By Kris Bayos | Manila Bulletin | March 20, 2015

The government has admitted that manufacturing of new trains for the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) 3 has not yet started but maintained that delivery of the prototype unit from China will push through as targeted this August. ... Read more

March 19, 2015

By Chrisee Jalyssa V. Dela Paz | Business Worlds Online | March 19, 2015

THE TRANSPORTATION department said it will decide on unsolicited proposals to upgrade Metro Manila’s most congested elevated railway by next month, but added that there could be some overlap with current works to rehabilitate Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3). ... Read more

March 13, 2015

By Erwin Tulfo | InterAksyon.com | March 11, 2015

MANILA, Philippines – A company that can’t be located in its listed address and whose links are traced to the head of the Philippine National Railways (PNR) and another firm whose board member has no connection with the corporation. ... Read more

March 2, 2015

By Jarius Bondoc | The Philippine Star | March 2, 2015

Only half of MRT-3 trains remain running. That’s why riders have been waiting longer hours at stations since Transport Sec. Joseph Abaya raised fares last Jan. 4. More trains are bound to conk out. For, Abaya keeps contracting his Liberal Party mates for the shoddy maintenance. ... Read more

March 2, 2015

By Babe Romualdez (BABE’S EYE VIEW) | The Philippine Star | Updated March 1, 2015

It happens to some of us – when something goes wrong, everything starts to fall apart and everything seems to go wrong. We call that Murphy’s Law. The sad part is – when the government seems to be fumbling all over the place, we all go down with it. Another glitch in the MRT’s braking system caused passengers to be thrown down like dominoes, with ... Read more

February 27, 2015

By Nestor Corrales | INQUIRER.net | Friday, February 27th, 2015

MANILA, Philippines–A southbound train of the Metro Rail Transit (MRT-3) on Friday morning abruptly stopped as its brake system went haywire. ... Read more

February 26, 2015

By Paolo Romero | The Philippine Star | Updated February 26, 2015

MANILA, Philippines - An opposition lawmaker urged yesterday the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) to stop blaming others and instead work immediately to rehabilitate the Metro Rail Transit 3 (MRT-3) following recent accidents and breakdowns. ... Read more

February 17, 2015

By Lorenz S. Marasigan | Business Mirror | February 14, 2015

THE long-drawn battle between the government and the owner of the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) Line 3 may soon end, after a senior official of the transportation department admitted that his office is currently weighing the proposal of the Sobrepeña-led company to invest more money in the train system in exchange for an extension of its contract. ... Read more

February 11, 2015

By Lorenz S. Marasigan | Business Mirror | February 10, 2015

EVERYTHING about the state’s planned multibillion-peso takeover of the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) Line 3 is flawed, so a government buyout, at this time, would not address the persistent woes of the mass transit line, the chief honcho of the company that holds the concession for the train system said. ... Read more

February 9, 2015

By Lorenz S. Marasigan | Business Mirror | February 4, 2015

THE Metro Rail Transit (MRT) Line 3 must first undergo a total makeover before its maintenance contract could be deemed palatable to “serious” investors, the owner of the multibillion-peso train line said on Wednesday. ... Read more

February 9, 2015

By Jovee Marie de la Cruz | Business Mirror | February 4, 2015

A lawmaker on Wednesday urged the House of Representatives to defer the additional fare hikes at the Light Rail Transit Lines 1 and 2 and Metro Rail Transit 3, which was recently implemented by the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC). ... Read more

February 5, 2015

By Nestor Corrales | INQUIRER.net | Thursday, February 5, 2015

MANILA, Philippines — Commuters of the Metro Rail Transit (MRT-3) were stranded Thursday morning after only 12 of its trains were operational, an MRT official said. ... Read more

February 4, 2015

By Rey E. Requejo | Manila Standard Today | February 3, 2015

Citing the “alarming state” of the Metro Rail Transit-3, the chairman of MRT Holdings II Inc. has called on the government to speed up the rehabilitation of the country’s elevated mass transit system along EDSA. ... Read more

February 4, 2015

By Katerina Francisco | Rappler.com | February 2, 2015

Transportation Secretary Joseph Abaya says the fare hike proposal has been raised since 2011, but Senator Grace Poe questions the timing of the move ... Read more

January 27, 2015

By Tetch Torres-Tupas | INQUIRER.net | Tuesday, January 27, 2015

MANILA, Philippines—Government lawyers have asked the Supreme Court for more time to answer the petitions questioning the legality of the fare increase in the Light Rail Transit (LRT) and the Metro Rail Transit (MRT). ... Read more

January 26, 2015

By Jarius Bondoc (GOTCHA) | The Philippine Star | January 26, 2015

Last week’s bidding for MRT-3 maintenance flopped.
So did the one for LRT-2 only last Dec. 23. ... Read more

January 21, 2015

By Miguel R. Camus | Philippine Daily Inquirer | Wednesday, January 21, 2015

Bidders have snubbed for the second time a P2.4-billion, three-year contract to maintain the busy Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3), according to the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC). ... Read more

January 13, 2015

By Amando Doronila | Philippine Daily Inquirer | January 12, 2015

The Aquino administration faces heightened public protest against increased fares in the Metro Manila elevated railway system, as it stonewalls on the decision raising the fares starting Jan. 4. ... Read more

January 10, 2015

By Lorenz S. Marasigan | Business Mirror | January 10, 2015

DESPITE hitting a roadblock at the House of Representatives, the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) will continue to pursue the multibillion-peso takeover of the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) System, a Cabinet official said. ... Read more

January 9, 2015

Volume VI, No. 1  Jan. 5 - 9, 2015

Quotes of the Week

"The reason why this fare increase is such a burden is because the service is not improving. We already allocated money for the MRT rehabilitation and improvement for 2015. There is enough funding. We don't need the money from the fare hike in order to improve MRT3.” ... Read more

January 9, 2015

By Nestor Corrales | INQUIRER.net | January 9, 2015

MRT-breakdown-counter1MANILA, Philippines—A broken rail brought to a halt the operations of the Metro Rail Transit (MRT 3) on Friday evening. ... Read more

January 8, 2015

By  Louie Logarta | The Daily Tribune | January 8, 2015

After a lengthy holiday break, most Filipinos awoke last Monday to a double whammy of harsh realities on the very first working day of the year — the onerous upward fare adjustments for the Light Rail Transit (LRT) and Metro Rail Transit (MRT) that would adversely impact the already-tortured lives of an estimated 2 million commuters daily coupled with the ... Read more

January 8, 2015

By Marc Jayson Cayabyab | INQUIRER.net | January 8, 2015

MANILA, Philippines–Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) Secretary Joseph “Jun” Abaya failed to attend Wednesday’s hearing on the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) and the Light Rail Transit (LRT) fare hike supposedly to attend preparations for the papal visit. ... Read more

January 7, 2015

By Macon Ramos-Araneta, Joyce P. Pañares and Rey E. Requejo | Manila Standard Today | January 7, 2015

SENATOR Francis Escudero slammed the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) Tuesday for misleading the Senate, saying the senators would not have approved its 2015 budget had they known it would raise fares on the Light Rail Transit (LRT) and Metro Rail Transit (MRT). ... Read more

January 7, 2015

Boo Chanco | The Philippine Star | January 7, 2015

I would normally support raising the MRT fare up to the level of EDSA bus fares. Reducing the subsidy for MRT riders would be fair for taxpayers in other parts of the ... Read more

January 5, 2015

Marichu A. Villanueva | The Philippine Star | January 5, 2015

If there is one Cabinet member of President Aquino whose public approval rating would likely plunge if opinion surveys are done now, it would be Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) Secretary Joseph Emilio Aguinaldo “Jun” Abaya. This is because two of the department’s attached agencies have green-lighted increases of fares and tolls on key public services. ... Read more

January 5, 2015

Jarius Bondoc | The Philippine Star |January 5, 2015

True, the Metro Rail Transit-3 has never raised fares but even rolled them back twice since commencing in 2000. Still, unjustifiable is the government’s 50-percent fare hike starting yesterday. The lying, cheating, and stealing by transport officials should prompt President Noynoy Aquino to take a second look, this time from the commuters’ point of view.... Read more

January 5, 2015

Amando Doronila | Philippine Daily Inquirer | January 5th, 2015

Train commuters in Metro Manila woke up in the New Year locked into two 2014 decisions: first, increasing fares of the Metro rail system, beginning Jan. 4; and second, a policy of buying out the private owners of Metro Rail Transit (MRT) and Light Rail Transit (LRT) as the solution to the many issues plaguing the system.... Read more

January 5, 2015

Gil C. Cabacungan, Nathaniel R. Melican and TJ Burgonio | 
Philippine Daily Inquirer | January 5th, 2015

Congress to stop increase if DOTC fails to justify it
MANILA, Philippines—Congress will suspend the fare rate increase implemented Sunday in the Light Rail Transit (LRT 1 and 2) and Metro Rail Transit 3 (MRT) systems if the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) fails to justify it at a committee hearing scheduled for Jan. 8, even as protesting commuters took matters ... Read more

January 5, 2015

By TJ Burgonio Philippine Daily Inquirer | January 4, 2015

MANILA, Philippines – Senators Grace Poe and Francis Escudero on Sunday vowed to confront Transportation Secretary Joseph E. A. Abaya and Budget Secretary... Read more

January 5, 2015

By Lawrence Agcaoili (The Philippine Star) | January 4, 2015

MANILA, Philippines - Commuters taking the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) and Light Rail Transit (LRT) in Metro Manila will have to pay more beginning today... Read more

January 2, 2015

The Philippine Star | December 31, 2014

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) is pursuing the complete government takeover of the Metro Rail Transit ... Read more

January 2, 2015

By Paolo Romero (The Philippine Star) | December 29, 2014 

MANILA, Philippines - Bayan Muna party-list Rep. Neri Colmenares criticized yesterday the “deviousness” of the Department of Transportation and ... Read more

January 2, 2015

By Aurea Calica, Sheila Crisostomo (The Philippine Star) | December 28, 2014

MANILA, Philippines - Only a temporary restraining order from the Supreme Court can stop the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) from ... Read more

December 23, 2014

Christian V. Esguerra, Gil C. Cabacungan, Leila B. Salaverria | December 23, 2014

Lawmakers on Monday challenged the impending fare increases of the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) and Light Rail Transit (LRT), saying their facilities should be improved first before commuters are asked to shell out a higher amount to ride the trains.... Read more

December 23, 2014

By Jess Diaz | Updated December 23, 2014 - 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines - An organization of commuters and consumers together with Abakada party-list Rep. Jonathan de la Cruz will ask the Supreme Court (SC) to stop the planned fare increase in the Light and Metro Rail Transit systems in January. ... Read more

December 22, 2014

Philstar.com Updated as of 12/21/2014 2:01 AM

MANILA -- The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) has finally set the date for the implementation of the fare increase for the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) and Light Rail Transit Lines 1 and 2 (LRT-1 and LRT-2). ... Read more

December 22, 2014

December 17, 2014 10:44:00 PM By Chrisee J. V. Dela Paz

SOBREPENA-led Metro Rail Transit Corp. (MRTC), builder of the Metro Rail Transit System Line 3 (MRT-3), and the line’s former maintenance service provider Sumitomo Corp. could build a joint proposal with Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC) to rehabilitate and upgrade the country’s most congested railway system.... Read more

December 22, 2014

ABS-CBNnews.com Posted at 12/20/2014 7:40 PM | Updated as of 12/21/2014 2:01 AM

MANILA -- The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) has finally set the date for the implementation of the fare increase for the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) and Light Rail Transit Lines 1 and 2 (LRT-1 and LRT-2). ... Read more

December 22, 2014

Posted at 12/19/2014 11:51 AM

MANILA – Bukod pa sa paglilinis, pinagkaabalahan rin ng mga janitor ng Metro Rail Transit-3 (MRT-3) ang paglalagay ng mga dekorasyong gawa sa mga recycled materials sa mga istasyon ng tren.... Read more

December 22, 2014

by Cathy Rose A. Garcia, ABS-CBNnews.com | December 18, 2014

MANILA, Philippines - Passengers using the Metro Rail Transit 3 (MRT-3) continue to endure long queues, broken escalators and filthy comfort rooms, Senator Grace Poe said on Wednesday.... Read more

December 22, 2014

By Lawrence Agcaoili (The Philippine Star) | December 21, 2014

MANILA, Philippines - Even as they complain of long queues and poor service, passengers of Metro Rail Transit line 3 (MRT-3) as well as Light Rail Transit lines 1 and 2 (LRT) should brace for higher fares starting Jan. 4 after the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) approved the fare hike.... Read more

December 19, 2014

By Paolo Romero | The Philippine Star | December 17, 2014

MANILA, Philippines - The full audit report of the MTR Hong Kong on the MRT-3 was presented yesterday at a congressional hearing with railway experts warning that the continued operation of the commuter train could lead to “substantial casualties” among its passengers and crew. ... Read more

December 19, 2014

By Christine F. Herrera | November 24, 2014

THE Senate has redeemed Congress’ power of the purse by addressing constitutional infirmities in the budget, starting with the rejection of a Palace-proposed and House-approved P91 billion errata, and specifically ruled out a P53.9 billion allocation to buyout private owners of the Metro Rail Transit 3, Senator Francis Escudero said Sunday. ... Read more

December 18, 2014

By Boo Chanco | The Philippine Star | November 10, 2014

I finally got copies of the various reports made by MTR HK on the condition of MRT 3. Reading the various reports covering various facets of MRT 3 operations confirms my worst fears. Indeed, government management of the system proved to be far from competent and there is no reason to believe they can do better in the future. ... Read more

December 18, 2014

By Alex Magno | The Philippine Star | November 6, 2014

It is a classic in understatement. The team of experts from Hong Kong’s MTR asked to audit the MRT-3 system submitted a report that described the condition of the facility as “unsatisfactory.” ... Read more

December 18, 2014

By Federico D. Pascual JR. | The Philippine Star | November 6, 2014

SAFETY LAST: The Department of Transportation and Communications appears to be compromising public safety while covering up for the poor maintenance of the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT3) running on EDSA. ... Read more

December 18, 2014

By Jarius Bondoc | The Philippine Star | November 5, 2014

Separate biddings for the maintenance of two railways in Metro Manila failed in succession last week. No bidders showed up for both the Light Rail Transit (LRT)-1 and the Metro Rail Transit (MRT)-3. ... Read more

December 18, 2014

By Boo Chanco (DEMAND AND SUPPLY) | The Philippine Star | November 5, 2014

It had been a while since the private owners of MRT 3 commissioned MTR HK to conduct a study on the true state of the system. The study had long been pushed off by DOTC and I suppose they finally agreed to do it only after a series of almost daily accidents happened. ... Read more

December 19, 2014

By Mon Gualvez | InterAksyon.com | October 31, 2014

 MANILA, Philippines – “The overall performance is unsatisfactory.” ... Read more

December 18, 2014

By Lawrence Agcaoili | The Philippine Star | October 30, 2014

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) has declared a failure of bidding for the P2.2-billion maintenance contract for the Metro Rail Transit line 3 (MRT-3) after no bidders showed up. ... Read more

October 30, 2014

By Mary Ann LL. Reyes (HIDDEN AGENDA) | The Philippine Star | October 26, 2014

Champions of the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) program who are still clueless about why the rebounding economy has not induced a proportionate measure of investor confidence in this centerpiece ... Read more

October 30, 2014

By Delfin T. Mallari Jr. | Inquirer Southern Luzon | October 26, 2014

LUCENA CITY—With the current mess surrounding the operation of the Metro Rail Transit (MRT-3), the militant peasant group Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) on Saturday called for the scrapping of the planned MRT-7 project. ... Read more

October 30, 2014

By Aurea Calica | The Philippine Star | October 24, 2014

MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang has still no update on the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI)’s report supposedly recommending that former Metro Rail Transit-3 general manager Al Vitangcol III be charged with attempted extortion. ... Read more

October 30, 2014

By Jarius Bondoc (GOTCHA) | The Philippine Star | October 20, 2014

News is that Malacañang will rebid the CALAX (Cavite-Laguna Expressway) or do the work itself. This is to avoid howls of favoring any party. Either way, President Noynoy Aquino likely will get the flak. ... Read more

October 30, 2014

By Marlen V. Ronquillo | October 18, 2014

THOSE who know about dates and chronology of events know too well that the genesis of the MRT 3’s slide to hell began in earnest in 2012. That was the year a group of LP operatives mostly from Pangasinan incorporated a cottage industry called PH-Trams with a vile but grand design – bag the lucrative operations and maintenance (O & M) contract of ... Read more

October 16, 2014

By Rigoberto Tiglao | October 5, 2014

Second of three parts
That warning was made back in September 2011 by TES Philippines (TESP) Inc., which has been the maintenance operator of the Metro Rail Transit System ... Read more

October 16, 2014

By Rigoberto Tiglao | October 5, 2014

First of Three Parts
If working-class Filipinos had a capacity for quick mobilization to protest the injustice done to them, without the help of the elites, there would have already been street actions by now on the scale of the EDSA I and II revolts against President Benigno S. Aquino 3rd, the transport and communications department, and its former and present secretaries. ... Read more

October 16, 2014

ABS-CBNnews.com | October 7, 2014

MANILA, Philippines – Senator Serge Osmeña believes that the fastest way to solve management issues hounding the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) is to negotiate a deal with businessman Manny V. Pangilinan. ... Read more

October 16, 2014

Philippine Daily Inquirer | October 7th, 2014

As if the lack of trains to ferry commuters through the length of the Metro Rail Transit 3 on Edsa is not enough, the government is also apparently finding it very difficult to maintain the facility— ... Read more

October 16, 2014

ABS-CBNnews.com | October 6, 2014

MANILA – Navotas Rep. Toby Tiangco is urging the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) to open discussions with the private owners of the Metro Rail Transit (MRT), ... Read more

October 30, 2014

By Paolo Romero | The Philippine Star | October 15, 2014

MANILA, Philippines - Quezon City Rep. Winston Castelo recommended yesterday the filing of economic sabotage and other charges against concerned government officials for the spate of accidents at the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3). ... Read more

October 30, 2014

By Mary Ann Ll. Reyes (HIDDEN AGENDA) | The Philippine Star | October 12, 2014

These people probably think that we are a bunch of stupid people who will fall for their versions of the story hook, line and sinker. ... Read more

October 30, 2014

By Alex Magno (FIRST PERSON) | The Philippine Star | October 11, 2014

The unthinkable has now become a likelihood. The MRT might actually shut down. ... Read more

October 30, 2014

Philippine Daily Inquirer | October 10, 2014

MANILA, Philippines—A transport official downplayed the possibility of shutting down the operation of the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) because of the recently recurring problem of broken rails, saying there is still enough stock to replace problematic sections of the track. ... Read more

October 30, 2014

InterAksyon.com | October 4, 2014

MANILA, Philippines – The private consortium that runs the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 has defended MRT-3’s former maintenance provider Sumitomo Corp. from allegations that the Japanese firm had supplied the transit system with “cannibalized” parts from the latter’s own coaches. ... Read more

October 30, 2014

By Mike Frialde | philstar.com | October 3, 2014

MANILA, Philippines - An executive of the  Metro Rail Transit Corporation (MRTC) on Friday expressed support for the plan of the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) to upgrade and rehabilitate the MRT-3 system. ... Read more

October 30, 2014

MANILA, Philippines — Trips of Metro Rail Transit (MRT) line 3 were cut short anew on Thursday morning due to broken rails in Boni Avenue station. Since 8 a.m., only trains from North Avenue to Shaw Boulevard station and vice versa have been operational. Renato San Jose, the newly-appointed MRT-3 officer-in-charge, said in a radio interview. This also means that ... Read more

October 30, 2014

By Jarius Bondoc (GOTCHA) | The Philippine Star | September 29, 2014

Ex-President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s neck ailment hampers her eating. To swallow she must tilt or turn the head. Or else she’d choke, like the other weekend, on a broccoli stem, the second time in as many months. Doctors at her Veterans Hospital jail thought to rush her to surgery to extract the obstruction. While they were debating she was able to cough it out. ... Read more

October 30, 2014

By Federico D. Pascual Jr. (POSTSCRIPT) | The Philippine Star | September 28, 2014

HELL FIRE: This being a Sunday, a blessed day in the fourth year of the administration of President Noynoy Aquino, let us listen again and draw lessons from the Gospel: ... Read more

October 30, 2014

By Marlen V. Ronquillo | September 27, 2014

A state-run think tank recently proposed what should have been done half a century ago. It recommended the amendment of the Philippine Cabotage Law to liberalize domestic shipping–both the cargo and passenger trade. The presence of foreign competitors will reduce the cost of moving cargo from port to port and the cut down inter-island passenger ... Read more

October 30, 2014

The Philippine Star | September 27, 2014

The Office of the Ombudsman has ordered the investigation of several officials of the Department of Transportation and Communications led by its head, Joseph Emilio Abaya. The probe will determine if the officials should be indicted for corruption in connection with the award of a maintenance contract for the Metro Rail Transit 3. ... Read more

December 18, 2014

By Lira Dalangin-Fernandez | InterAksyon.com | September 26, 2014

MANILA, Philippines - Transportation and Communications Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya on Friday said he will not take a leave of absence or resign from his post unless ordered by President Benigno Aquino III or the courts in the wake of an investigation by the Ombudsman over the alleged anomalous maintenance contract for the Metro Rail Transit 3 (MRT-3). ... Read more

December 18, 2014

By Jaime Sinapit | InterAksyon.com | September 25, 2014

MANILA - Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales has ordered a preliminary investigation and administrative adjudication process against the top brass of the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) including Secretary Joseph Emilo Abaya over the alleged anomalous maintenance contract for the Metro Rail Transit 3 (MRT-3). ... Read more

October 30, 2014

By Tetch Torres-Tupas | INQUIRER.net | September 25, 2014

MANILA, Philippines—Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales on Thursday ordered the formal preliminary investigation of Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya, former Metro Rail Transit 3 (MRT-3) General Manager Al Vitangcol and several others after separate administrative and criminal charges have been filed ... Read more

October 29, 2014

By Federico D. Pascual Jr. (POSTSCRIPT) | The Philippine Star | September 21, 2014

SIMPLY COMPLICATED: The arrival next year of 48 new coaches imported from China by the Department of Transportation and Communications is no guarantee that riding the Metro Rail Transit (MRT-3) will finally become safe and convenient. ... Read more

October 29, 2014

By Alex Magno (FIRST PERSON) | The Philippine Star | September 18, 2014

Before he left for his European sojourn, President Aquino announced that P5 billion will be released to help upgrade the services of the MRT-3. Fine. ... Read more

October 30, 2014

By Babe G. Romualdez (SPYBITS) | The Philippine Star | September 18, 2014

DOTC boo-boos ... Read more

October 29, 2014

By Mary Ann LL. Reyes (HIDDEN AGENDA) | The Philippine Star | September 7, 2014

Is it system-related, a case of poor maintenance, bad management, normal wear and tear, a combination, or all? ... Read more

October 29, 2014

By Jon Carlos Rodriguez | ABS-CBNnews.com | September 16, 2014

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATE) – The owner of the Metro Rail Transit-3 (MRT-3) is calling on government to coordinate with the private owners of the MRT to provide a safer and more efficient railway system for the public. ... Read more

October 29, 2014

ANC Dateline Philippines | September 16, 2014 
Photo courtesy of Karen Davila's instagram account.

It takes two to tango but the private company which owns the MRT-3 complains government has been keeping it in the dark about plans to improve the system. Karen Davila reports. ... Read more

October 29, 2014

By Ducky Paredes | September 11, 2014

AFTER nearly a dozen Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT3) mishaps and glitches since July alone–topped by the Aug. 13 overshoot by a malfunctioning train at the Taft Station that injured 38 passengers–senators saw it fit to pry into this EDSA rail system’s state of disorder. ... Read more

October 29, 2014

MANILA, Philippines - Senator Nancy Binay on Tuesday blasted the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) for using passengers as "guinea pigs" in its "risky experiment" to take over the maintenance of the Metro Rail Transit 3 (MRT3) ... Read more

October 29, 2014

September 9, 2014

The complete government takeover of the MRT-3 would have to wait until next year. ... Read more

October 29, 2014

By Marlen V. Ronquillo | September 9, 2014

The BART is a relatively ancient metro rail transit system that gets more efficient as it ages. From Oakland and the Berkeley area, its trains chug far into the vast expanse of Silicon Valley. Airport-bound passengers from the exurbs can take the BART for a cheap, seamless ride to San Francisco’s airport. The key? Good operations and maintenance work plus ... Read more

October 29, 2014

By Neal H. Cruz (AS I SEE IT) |Philippine Daily Inquirer | September 5, 2014

(Concluded from Wednesday)At the Senate hearing on the frequent MRT breakdowns, Sen. Chiz Escudero asked Undersecretary Jose Lotilla why the government has not sued Metro Rail Transit Corp. (MRTC) or MRT Holdings, the owner of the trains, for defaulting on its duty to buy more trains as the present number has exceeded its rated capacity.“Don’t you ... Read more

October 29, 2014

MANILA, Philippines – The government’s over P50-billion bid to buy the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT3) from private shareholders falls short of the total equity value of the railway system, the owner of MRT3 under a build-lease-transfer (BLT) contract said. ... Read more

October 29, 2014

By Alex Magno (FIRST PERSON) | The Philippine Star | September 4, 2014

While DOTC officials were unloading bovine manure at the Senate hearing last week, an MRT carriage was photographed running with its doors open. It is really only a matter of time before this killer train line takes horrendous casualties. ... Read more

October 29, 2014

By Neal H. Cruz (AS I SEE IT) | Philippine Daily Inquirer | September 3, 2014

At the Senate hearing last Monday on the problems of the Metro Rail Transit line 3 (MRT3), the resource persons, all from the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC), made it appear that the owners of the train line, MRT Holdings, were at fault. (Resource persons from MRT Holdings were not invited to the hearing.) They even said that the ... Read more

October 29, 2014

By Kris Bayos | September 2, 2014

The government needs more than P53.9 billion to buyout the private owner of the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) line 3 and to completely take over the aging mass transportation system. ... Read more

October 29, 2014

By Lorenz S. Marasigan | September 2, 2014

The corporate owner of the Metro Rail Transit Corp. (MRTC), the concessionaire of the most congested train system in the country, is open to the government’s multibillion-peso venture to take over the railway line. ... Read more

October 29, 2014

By: Darwin G. Amojelar | InterAksyon.com | September 2, 2014

MANILA - The owner of Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT3) wants the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) to revise the terms for the auction of the system's maintenance provider. ... Read more

October 29, 2014

September 2, 2014

The government revealed its plan to buy out the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) system for P53 billion from MRT Holdings, the private company that runs the train system, at a Senate hearing on Monday. MRT Holdings, however, said the amount is not enough, according to Kara David's report on "24 Oras" Tuesday evening. Pointing fingers According to the report, the ... Read more

October 29, 2014

ABS-CBNnews.com | September 2, 2014

MANILA, Philippines – MRT Holdings Inc. said safety issues hounding the Metro Rail Transit-3 (MRT-3) won't be solved by a government takeover and system upgrades. ... Read more

October 29, 2014

By Jojo Robles | September 2, 2014

A developed country, according to Enrique Penalosa, the mayor of Bogota, Colombia, is not a place where the poor have cars. It’s where the rich use public transport. ... Read more

October 29, 2014

By Louella Desiderio | The Philippine Star | August 24, 2014

MANILA, Philippines - Operations of the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) Line 3 were suspended yesterday due to failure of the train line’s communications system. ... Read more

October 29, 2014

By Alex Magno (FIRST PERSON) | The Philippine Star | August 23, 2014

It’s the maintenance, stupid! ... Read more

October 29, 2014

By Boo Chanco (DEMAND AND SUPPLY) | The Philippine Star | August 20, 2014

The last time I asked DOTC Sec. Jun Abaya when government plans to complete the buyout of the private owners of MRT 3, he texted back: “we are awaiting DOF on the buyout. Hope we can execute within the year.” ... Read more

October 29, 2014

Manila Bulletin | August 20, 2014

One of the most dismaying sights in Metro Manila these days is that of hundreds of people waiting in lines two to three blocks long just to enter Metro Rail Transit (MRT) stations along Epifanio de los Santos Ave. during rush hours. Along with the older Light Rail Transit (LRT) that runs from Caloocan through Rizal Ave. and Taft Ave. to Baclaran in Parañaque City, the ... Read more

October 29, 2014

The Philippine Star | August 20, 2014

It’s good that the department with a reputation for slow action quickly completed its probe into the cause of the accident last week in which a Metro Rail Transit 3 train jumped the tracks in Pasay City and left nearly 40 passengers injured. The Department of Transportation and Communications finished its probe in record time, with blame being placed on two MRT drivers ... Read more

October 29, 2014

Ni Mer Layson | Pilipino Star Ngayon | August 19, 2014

MANILA, Philippines - Inamin ni Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) at Metro Rail Transit (MRT-3) spokesman Hernando Cabrera na napapanahon na ang pag-overhaul sa mga tren ng MRT-3. ... Read more

October 29, 2014

Pilipino Star Ngayon | August 19, 2014

KAHAPON ng umaga may nagkaaberya na namang tren ng Metro Rail Transit (MRT). Bumaba umano ang sahig ng tren na dapat ay ka-level ng flatform. Hindi ito pinabiyahe. Maraming commuters ang naatrasado sa kanilang pagpasok sa opisina dahil sa aberya. Noong Linggo ng umaga, nagkaaberya rin ang tren na pa-northbound, nang tumirik habang nasa Gil Puyat ... Read more

October 29, 2014

Ni Bernard Taguinod, Armida Rico | Abante-Tonite | August 19, 2014

Hindi kinagat ng Palasyo ng Malacañang ang hamon ng isang mambabatas kay Pangulong Benigno ‘Noynoy’ Aquino III na sumakay sa Metro Rail Transit (MRT) 3 sa gitna ng sunud-sunod na aberya ng nasabing transport system. ... Read more

October 29, 2014

By Lawrence Acgcaoili | The Philippine Star | August 19, 2014

MRT-3 mishaps probe ... Read more

October 29, 2014

Malaya | August 19, 2014

IF there is any delicadeza left among our transportation officials, they should have handed in their irrevocable resignations the day after a coach of the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 derailed last August 13 and imperiled the lives of hundreds of hapless commuters. ... Read more

October 28, 2014

By Lawrence Agcaoili | The Philippine Star | August 18, 2014

MANILA, Philippines - The government needs the consent of at least a two-thirds of the private shareholders of Metro Rail Transit Corp. (MRTC) for a complete government take over of the facilities of the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3). ... Read more

October 28, 2014

By Mer Layson | Pilipino Star Ngayon |  August 18, 2014

MANILA, Philippines - Muling nagkaaberya kahapon ang operayon ng Metro Rail Transit (MRT) nang tumigil ang isang tren nito sa bahagi ng Buendia. ... Read more

October 28, 2014

By Rainier Allan Ronda | The Philippine Star | August 18, 2014

MANILA, Philippines - Operations at the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) were disrupted anew yesterday morning when a train stalled at the rail line’s Gil Puyat Avenue station. ... Read more

October 28, 2014

By Delon Porcalla, Christina Mendez | The Philippine Star | August 18, 2014

MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang rejected yesterday calls for the replacement of Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya despite a series of accidents and breakdowns involving the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3). ... Read more

October 29, 2014

By Ellson Quismorio | Manila Bulletin | August 18, 2014

A militant lawmaker wants to grill Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) Sec. Joseph Emilio Abaya before Congress, this time over the still smoldering issue of the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) 3 mishap last Aug. 13 where close to 40 people were injured. ... Read more

October 28, 2014

By Lorenz S. Marasigan | August 17, 2014

REHABILITATION and proper maintenance. ... Read more

October 28, 2014

Manila Standard Today | August 17, 2014

Wednesday’s crash of a train of the Metro Rail Transit system at the Taft Avenue station in Pasay. City is a painful reminder of the shabbiness of our public transport system and of the ineptitude and callousness of our transport officials. ... Read more

October 28, 2014

By Joel E. Zurbano | Manila Standard Today | August 17, 2014

Four senators called for an immediate probe of accidents involving Metro Rail Transit (MRT-3) trains, one of which caused injuries to at least 40 people last Wednesday. ... Read more

October 28, 2014

By Aurea Calica | The Philippine Star | August 17, 2014

MANILA, Philippines - Transportation and Communications Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya is not under fire due to the accident at the Metro Rail Transit’s Taft Avenue station in Pasay City on Wednesday, Malacañang clarified yesterday. ... Read more

October 29, 2014

By Carlo Suerte Felipe | Manila Bulletin | August 17, 2014

A train commuters group, shocked by the recent derailment of a Metro Rail Transit (MRT) 3 coach, has called for the resignation of Transportation and Communications Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya. ... Read more

October 29, 2014

By Bong Austero | Manila Standard Today | August 17, 2014

A friend who swears by folk beliefs thinks that we have accumulated quite an enormous backlog of negative karma in the last two years that the ghosts that are supposed to be rampaging around this time of the year (we are right smack in the middle of the Ghost Month according to the Chinese calendar) are being particularly harder on us. She thinks that ... Read more

October 28, 2014

Philippine Daily Inquirer | August 16, 2014

How many more mishaps like the one that befell the MRT train last Wednesday should happen before the government undertakes an honest-to-goodness rehabilitation of this worn-out transport system? It’s tempting to call the accident, which saw a train break through the metal railings at the Taft Avenue station and cause injury to at least 38 people, a wake-up call ... Read more

October 28, 2014

August 16, 2014

May posibilidad na maulit muli ang nangyaring aksidente noong isang araw sa MRT na kung saan mahigit 30 ang nasaktan, ayon sa tagapagsalita ng kumpanya na si Hernando Cabrera. ... Read more

October 29, 2014

By Alejandro Del Rosario | August 16, 2014

Criminal neglect ... Read more

October 29, 2014

By Macon Ramos-Araneta | Manila Standard Today | August 16, 2014

SENATE President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto on Thursday said the Senate will scrutinize the proposed P6.6-billion ($150 million) allocation for the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) in 2015 to make sure transportation officials can deliver on the promises, including “under 300” service disruptions for the year. ... Read more

October 28, 2014

The Philippine Star | August 15, 2014

Transport officials are blaming Metro Rail Transit 3 train drivers for the accident in which a train slammed into a concrete barrier and jumped off the tracks at the Taft Avenue station in Pasay City the other day. Regardless of the cause, the accident, which left at least 36 passengers injured and aggravated the despicable traffic jam along EDSA, reminded the public about ... Read more

October 28, 2014

By Jojo Robles | Aug. 15, 2014

Like the ill-fated MRT train that crashed through the end of its line last Tuesday, the mind of President Noynoy Aquino has apparently gotten derailed. By entertaining the possibility of a term extension, Aquino has lost his brakes and jumped the tracks near the end of the daang matuwid that he promised to take us on. ... Read more

October 28, 2014

Manila Standard Today | Aug. 15, 2014

The rail mishap Wednesday in which a train of the Metro Rail Transit-3 crashed into its barrier reflects government’s poor maintenance of the transportation system. ... Read more

October 28, 2014

By Jarius Bondoc (GOTCHA) | The Philippine Star | August 15, 2014

The Metro Rail Transit (MRT)-3 is still examining if mechanical or human failure caused last Wednesday’s train crash. But hasty Transport Sec. Joseph Emilio Abaya already has a conclusion. Two train drivers did it, he insists, and so had them booked by the Pasay City police. That’s of course to cover up the real culprit: sloppy maintenance of the railway by the ... Read more

October 28, 2014

Jojo Robles | Aug. 07, 2014

The administration Liberal Party has been thrust into the limelight once again, unwillingly at this point since its plans to remain relevant beyond the 2016 elections are uncertain. Because its putative standard-bearer, Mar Roxas, remains as “unwinnable” as ever, LP’s chances of staying the dominant political party seem about the same as the probability that ... Read more

October 28, 2014

By Marlen V. Ronquillo | August 2, 2014

What section of the Aquino bureaucracy is unblemished by integrity and competence and where corruption and illegal deals have been the dominant narrative? Easy to answer—the MRT 3 in particular and the railway system in general. The top story of the Manila Times on July 28, written by Chairman Emeritus Dante A. Ang, on a P140 million bribe allegedly ... Read more

October 28, 2014

By Ducky Paredes | August 1, 2014

WHAT the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) must do to sort out the current mess in the national capital’s train systems is abide by the government’s 15-year-old contract with MRT Corp. (MRTC), the much-ignored private operator of the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT3). ... Read more

October 28, 2014

By Boo Chanco (DEMAND AND SUPPLY) | The Philippine Star | July 16, 2014

A dictionary has this entry for ho·li·er-than-thou – adj. exhibiting an attitude of superior virtue,self-righteously pious, excessively or hypocritically pious. ... Read more

October 28, 2014

By Ducky Paredes | Malaya Online | July 14, 2014

“ What happens if APT Global wins either or both the LRT1 and LRT2 contracts and it turns out that the NBI report recommends the filing of criminal charges against any or all of the APT Global executives over either or both MRT3 scandals?“ ... Read more

October 28, 2014

By Boo Chanco (DEMAND AND SUPPLY) | The Philippine Star | July 9, 2014

With the Supreme Court declaring the Disbursement Acceleration Program or DAP unconstitutional, there are fears MRT3 riders will have no relief from overcrowded and dangerous commutes. Apparently, the rail cars DOTC is buying from Dalian, a Chinese manufacturer, is funded by DAP. ... Read more

October 27, 2014

Philippine Daily Inquirer | June 27, 2014

MANILA, Philippines–Justice Secretary Leila de Lima late Wednesday said she would seek clearance from President Aquino before releasing the findings of the National Bureau of the Investigation (NBI) on Metro Rail Transit (MRT) General Manager Al Vitangcol’s alleged extortion try on Czech company Inekon. ... Read more

October 27, 2014

By Gil C. Cabacungan | Philippine Daily Inquirer | June 25, 2014

MANILA, Philippines–The Office of the Ombudsman has ordered an inquiry into the involvement of former Metro Rail Transit (MRT) general manager Al Vitangcol III and businessman Wilson de Vera in an alleged attempt to extort $30 million from a Czech train coach builder at an ambassador’s residence two years ago. ... Read more

October 27, 2014

June 24, 2014

Former Metro Rail Transit Line 3 general manager Al Vitangcol III and businessman Wilson De Vera are now facing criminal and administrative charges before the Office of the Ombudsman in connection with the P3.8-billion MRT-3 capacity expansion project. ... Read more

October 27, 2014

The Philippine Star | June 15, 2014

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) is revising the terms of the P836.5-million contract to upgrade the ancillary systems of the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) along EDSA to lure more bidders. ... Read more

October 27, 2014

By Babe G. Romualdez (SPYBITS) | The Philippine Star | June 10, 2014

With the population in Metro Manila now estimated at 13 million, the congestion can only get worse especially with the opening of classes and the influx of students from the provinces and the working people who rely mostly on jeeps and buses to bring them to work. The stifling heat, the pollution and the grindingly slow pace of traffic all add to the ... Read more

October 27, 2014

By Alex Magno (FIRST PERSON) | The Philippine Star | June 5, 2014

Earlier this week, the MRT services were interrupted by electrical failure, consternating passengers. This is the nth time some failure or another disrupted rail services on this line. The latest breakdown underscores questions about the maintenance contract awarded by the DOTC. ... Read more

October 27, 2014

By Mary Ann Ll. Reyes (HIDDEN AGENDA) | The Philippine Star | June 4, 2014

Last week’s resumption of the House Committee on Good Government inquiry into the $30-million Metro Rail Transit Line 3 extortion scandal turned anti-climactic following the surprise relief or resignation—depending on which side one is taking—of MRT3 general manager Al Vitangcol III. ... Read more

October 27, 2014

By Miguel R. Camus | Philippine Daily Inquirer | June 4, 2014

MANILA, Philippines–If it’s an angry sign from heaven, then the government better hurry up with solutions. ... Read more

October 27, 2014

June 3, 2014

SM Prime Holdings Inc. is suing the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) and the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) before the Pasay City Regional Trial Court, saying the government violated a 2009 agreement to locate a common station for the mass rail system at the SM City North EDSA Mall. ... Read more

October 27, 2014

By Frances Mangosing | INQUIRER.net | June 3, 2014

MANILA, Philippines—The Metro Rail Transit-3 (MRT) announced that its run is now back to normal two hours after a cable glitch halted its trains’ run on Tuesday morning. “MRT3 now back to full line operations from North Avenue Station to Taft Avenue Station and back,” MRT/LRT spokesperson Atty. Hernando Cabrera posted on his Twitter account Tuesday noon. ... Read more

October 24, 2014

By Jarius Bondoc (GOTCHA) | The Philippine Star | June 2, 2014

A “denial” is not necessarily true; a “clarification” does not always clear things up. So the Letter to the Editor of Transport Sec. Joseph Emilio Abaya on the MRT-3 mess, published in The STAR yesterday, needs rebutting. ... Read more

October 27, 2014

The Philippine Star | May 31, 2014

It’s been a year since the ambassador of the Czech Republic hurled a serious accusation against an official of the daang matuwid administration. Today Josef Rychtar is ending his stint as ambassador to Manila with his accusation still not resolved. ... Read more

October 27, 2014

By Jess Diaz | The Philippine Star | May 31, 2014

MANILA, Philippines - The good government committee of the House of Representatives is hunting down a key player in the alleged $30-million extortion attempt by resigned Metro Rail Transit-3 general manager Al Vitangcol on Czech firm Inekon. ... Read more

October 24, 2014

By Jarius Bondoc | The Philippine Star | May 30, 2014

Who is Marlo dela Cruz, and why is everybody in this exposed MRT-3 scandal pointing to him as the center of it all? ... Read more

October 24, 2014

By Boo Chanco | The Philippine Star | May 30, 2014

If some tragic accident finally happens involving the MRT3, P-Noy may find some blood in his hands. A letter had been written to him last month that gave specifics of the many dangers to life and limb posed by inadequate maintenance of MRT3. ... Read more

October 24, 2014

Philippine Daily Inquirer | May 29th, 2014

A day after he was fired as Metro Rail Transit general manager, lawyer Al Vitangcol III appeared before the House committee on good government and public accountability. He had a chance to clear the air about the now-controversial P517-million maintenance contract, or at least to make himself heard above the din. ... Read more

October 24, 2014

By Jarius Bondoc | The Philippine Star | May 28, 2014

The issue at MRT-3 is not whether GM Al Vitangcol resigned or was fired Monday. He’s out, period. Focus now should be on the true issue: the railway’s maintenance — or the lack of it. ... Read more

October 24, 2014

By Lawrence Agcaoili | The Philippine Star | May 27, 2014

MANILA, Philippines - Metro Rail Transit 3 (MRT-3) general manager Al Vitangcol III was relieved of his post yesterday amid reports that he had awarded a P517-million maintenance contract to a company controlled by his wife’s uncle. ... Read more

October 24, 2014

By Miguel R. Camus | Philippine Daily Inquirer | May 27, 2014

MANILA, Philippines—Transportation Secretary Joseph Abaya on Monday ordered the replacement of Al Vitangcol III as general manager of the Metro Rail Transit 3 (MRT-3) following reports that the controversial official gave a P517-million maintenance contract to a relative. ... Read more

October 24, 2014

By Marc Jayson Cayabyab | INQUIRER.net | May 27, 2014

MANILA, Philippines—Navotas Representative Toby Tiangco asked help from officials of the Metro Rail Transit (MRT-3) and Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) to locate the accused middleman on the alleged MRT extortion try. ... Read more

October 24, 2014

By Marc Jayson Cayabyab | INQUIRER.net | May 27, 2014

MANILA, Philippines—Navotas Representative Toby Tiangco said the relieved Metro Rail Transit (MRT-3) General Manager Al Vitangcol III is the Aquino government’s “fall guy” to hide the culprit in the alleged MRT extortion try that implicated an administration ally. ... Read more

October 24, 2014

By Xianne Arcangel | GMA News | May 27, 2014

Metro Rail Transit Line 3 General Manager Al Vitangcol III confirmed Tuesday he was relieved by Transportaton Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya for his alleged involvement in anomalous transactions in connection with the MRT-3 expansion project. ... Read more

October 24, 2014

By Mark Merueñas | GMA News | May 27, 2014

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima on Tuesday said the National Bureau of Investigation has just handed to her its final report on the extortion claim made against outgoing Metro Rail Transit Line 3 General Manager Al Vitangcol III. ... Read more

October 24, 2014

By Christian V. Esguerra | Philippine Daily Inquirer | May 27, 2014

PUERTO PRINCESA, Philippines — President Benigno Aquino III confirmed on Tuesday that Al Vitangcol III has been fired as Metro Rail Transit (MRT) 3 general manager for allegedly not disclosing the involvement of a relative in a company that cornered a maintenance contract with the government. ... Read more

October 24, 2014

By Jarius Bondoc | The Philippine Star | May 26, 2014

The general manager of the government’s Metro Rail Transit-3 gave his uncle-in-law a P517.5-million service deal in 2012-2013. This is revealed in official records, social networks, photographs, and sources’ accounts. ... Read more

October 24, 2014

MANILA, Philippines - The general manager of the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) has taken a leave of absence as the investigation into his alleged $30-million shakedown attempt on executives of a Czech company continues. ... Read more

October 24, 2014

By Francisco S. Tatad | manilastandardtoday.com | May 12, 2014

The MRT3 situation has become  a national shame,  and the waiting  passengers’ lines  stretch  interminably outside the stations from Taft Avenue Pasay to North Avenue Quezon City. To this, Malacanang’s first response was to tell complaining passengers to take the bus instead,  if they could not spend a portion of their lives waiting for a ride.  The Pinoys did not ... Read more

October 24, 2014

By Marlen V. Ronquillo | www.manilatimes.net |  May 10, 2014

In developed economies, the state’s mandate to  provide  mass transport to  citizens  efficiently and at the most competitive cost  is on the top tier of their policy concerns. ... Read more

October 24, 2014

www.manilatimes.net | May 10, 2014

The move of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to field articulated buses along EDSA to help ease the traffic problem in Metro Manila’s main thoroughfare is definitely good news for weary commuters. ... Read more

October 27, 2014

By Mary Ann Ll. Reyes (HIDDEN AGENDA) | The Philippine Star | June 8, 2014

Lightning does hit twice and the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) can attest to that. ... Read more

October 24, 2014

By Mary Ann Ll. Reyes | The Philippine Star | May 7, 2014

I do not know Delfin Lee nor have I dealt with him or his real estate company Globe Asiatique either personally or professionally. ... Read more

October 24, 2014

By Ducky Paredes | www.duckyparedes.com | May 05, 2014

“First, it is wrong to blame the MRTC during the GMA era for the train congestion because a chronology of events would show that this private operator had four proposals in the past administration to acquire additional LRVS—at no cost to taxpayers—starting from 2000, when MRT3 was just completed, up to 2005, when the train system already reached its ... Read more

October 24, 2014

By Jarius Bondoc | The Philippine Star | April 21, 2014

There’s an odd finale to the $30-million extortion of a Czech company. The MRT-3 awarded a hefty contract to the alleged extorter. ... Read more

October 24, 2014

By Kristine Angeli Sabillo| INQUIRER.net | April 21, 2014

MANILA, Philippines – The government’s concern is to ensure that our trains run smoothly, Malacañang said Monday. ... Read more

October 24, 2014

By Dr. Dante A. Ang | The Manila Times | April 20, 2014

There’s no going away present for H.E. Joseph Rychtar, Czech Ambassador to the Philippines, when he finally bids farewell to Manila for another posting somewhere in Latin America. It is highly unlikely that the issue of the alleged $30 million extortion attempt by a ranking official of the MRT and some government contractors would be resolved during his remaining ... Read more

October 24, 2014

GOTCHA By Jarius Bondoc | The Philippine Star | April 14, 2014

My article Friday, “Who’s Afraid of MRT-3 Extort Investigation?” triggered reactions from certain dramatis personae. It was a recap, from published reports, of what have happened in the 12 months since Czech Amb. Josef Rychtar reported to Transport Sec. Joseph Abaya the $30-million extortion attempt, to wit: ... Read more

October 24, 2014

By Conrado de Quiros | Philippine Daily Inquirer | April 14, 2014

The problem is not that Al Vitangcol has failed miserably to provide decent service to the train-riding public in Metro Manila. The problem is that he has been accused by no less than the ambassador of a fairly decent European country of trying to extort money from a Czech firm. ... Read more

October 24, 2014

By Herbert Docena | Rappler.com | April 14, 2014

In 1789, as hundreds of thousands starved in France because of a bread shortage, Marie Antoinette, King Louis XVI’s consort, supposedly said: "They have no bread? Let them eat cake." ... Read more

October 24, 2014

By TJ Burgonio | Philippine Daily Inquirer | April 12, 2014

He’s sorry—but he still won’t take the train or the bus. ... Read more

October 24, 2014

By Jarius Bondoc | The Philippine Star | April 11, 2014

It’s been a year since Czech Ambassador Josef Rychtar reported the misdeed to Transportation Sec. Joseph Abaya. Allegedly in July 2012 Al Vitangcol, head of the Metro Rail Transit-3, had tried to extort $30 million from Czech train maker Inekon. Since then news sensations have implicated presidential kin and party mates. Too, Rychtar has detailed the scam in a ... Read more

October 24, 2014

MANILA, Philippines—Members of the House committee on good government and public accountability saw red after key witnesses in their probe of the $30-million alleged extortion attempt in the purchase of new trains for Metro Rail Transit Line 3 failed to show up on Tuesday. ... Read more

October 24, 2014

By Norman Bordadora | Philippine Daily Inquirer | April 8, 2014

MANILA, Philippines—Al Vitangcol, the controversial general manager of Metro Rail Transit (MRT), has a beef with the media. ... Read more

October 24, 2014

By Delon Porcalla | The Philippine Star | April 7, 2014

MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang has appealed to the public for calm and sobriety while waiting for the results of a probe conducted by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) regarding allegations of extortion against the manager of the Metro Rail Transit (MRT). ... Read more

October 24, 2014

By Gil C. Cabacungan | Philippine Daily Inquirer | April 5, 2014

Administration critics allege Malacanang coddling Vitangcol
Members of the House of Representatives want to summon Wilson de Vera, the alleged “envoy” of Metro Rail Transit (MRT) general manager Al Vitangcol III, to an investigation of ... Read more

October 24, 2014

By John Carlo Cahinhinan | April 2, 2014

A MILITANT lawmaker on Wednesday said that the glitches being encountered recently in the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) 3 operations can be a form of mind conditioning by the government to justify the proposed fare hike for the popular mass transport system. ... Read more

October 24, 2014

www.gmanetwork.com | April 2, 2014

Czech Ambassador to the Philippines Josef Rychtar said influential people are protecting Metro Rail Transit (MRT) general manager Al Vitangcol, alleged mastermind of a purported attempt to extort $30 million from a Czech firm in exchange for a supply contract. ... Read more

October 24, 2014

By Mary Ann Ll. Reyes | The Philippine Star | April 2, 2014

This administration has a penchant for changing the rules midstream. ... Read more

October 24, 2014

By Miguel R. Camus | Philippine Daily Inquirer | April 1st, 2014

A consortium made up of Ayala Corp. and Metro Pacific Investments Corp. signed Monday the concession agreement for the P1.72-billion automated fare collection system (AFCS) public private partnership project – the first for the Department of Transportation and Communications – after winning the deal two months ago. ... Read more

October 24, 2014

By Danessa O. Rivera | gmanetwork  | March 31, 2014

The government and the AF consortium have sealed the deal to modernize the railway ticketing system which is expected to ease travel through Metro Manila's light trains system by September 2015. ... Read more

October 24, 2014

By Joyce Pangco Panares | manilastandardtoday | March 29, 2014

MALACAÑANG said Friday it had admonished the Department of Transportation and Communications not to be “stoic” amid the flak it has been receiving over the poor operations of the MRT-3. ... Read more

October 24, 2014

By Nestor Corrales | INQUIRER.net | March 26, 2014

MANILA, Philippines–At least 10 people were hurt after an emergency braking system of a Metro Rail Transit (MRT 3) train was triggered Wednesday morning, police report said. ... Read more

October 24, 2014

By Jose C. Sison | The Philippine Star | March 24, 2014

In previous administrations, the least controversial Cabinet department is the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC). The previous DOTCs somehow managed to do its job without much disturbance from the nosy and inquisitive Press. But in the present PNoy administration, the DOTC seems to be exactly the opposite. It is embroiled in so much ... Read more

October 24, 2014

By Miguel R. Camus | Philippine Daily Inquirer | March 23, 2014

A computer glitch hit the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) on Saturday, significantly limiting the operations of the train system on Edsa. ... Read more

October 24, 2014

philstar.com | March 14, 2014

MANILA, Philippines — A Palanca-award winning poet composed a furious letter replete with expletives after he perceived his complaints being deleted from the Metro Rail Transport system's Facebook page. ... Read more

October 24, 2014

rappler.com | February 24, 2014

MANILA, Philippines – The government may now acquire brand new Metro Rail Transit (MRT) trains from a Chinese firm after the Makati City Regional Trial Court dismissed the case seeking to stop the purchase. ... Read more

October 24, 2014

By: Rey E. Requejo | Manilastandardtoday | February 14, 2014

The former chairman of the Metro Rail Transit Corp. said the company  made an offer several times to supply  brand new trains for the expansion of MRT-3, but the Department of Transportation and Communications insisted on procuring second-hand trains. ... Read more

October 24, 2014

By Kris Bayos | Manila Bulletin | February 13, 2014

Manila, Philippines – The private entity that owns the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) 3 has accused the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) of snubbing its proposal to augment the fleet of the mass transportation facility at no cost to government ... Read more

October 24, 2014

By Miguel R. Camus | Philippine Daily Inquirer | February 13, 2014

MANILA, Philippines—The private sector group behind the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) Line 3 elevated railway in Metro Manila hit back at the government on Wednesday, criticizing the transportation department’s “lack of maintenance operations.” ... Read more

October 24, 2014

By Ernesto Hilario | Businessmirror Philippines | February 10, 2014

WHAT’S going on at the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) under the Aquino administration? ... Read more

October 23, 2014

By Boo Chanco | The Philippine Star | February 7, 2014

For an infrastructure agency dominated by lawyers, it is amazing how DOTC is now faced by legal hurdles in almost all of their major projects. They tried to make us believe they are taking a long time getting projects started to make sure their contracts are totally in order. Those hotshot lawyers pretended to be engineers and failed. But how can they fail being lawyers? ... Read more

October 23, 2014

By Lenie Lectura | Businessmirror Philippines | February 7, 2014

THE Metro Rail Transit Corp. (MRTC) on Friday questioned the motive of the transportation department for junking its proposal to rehabilitate the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT 3), a move that could have save the government billions of pesos. ... Read more

October 23, 2014

By Jaymee T. Gamil | Philippine Daily Inquirer | February 5, 2014

A Makati City court has issued an order temporarily preventing the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) from buying new trains for the Metro Rail Transit from a China-based company. ... Read more

October 23, 2014

By Lawrence Agcaoili | The Philippine Star | January 24, 2014

MANILA, Philippines - Infrastructure giant Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC) is urging the Aquino administration to reconsider its proposal to expand the congested Metro Rail Transit line 3 (MRT3) along EDSA in light of the proposed P56-billion transaction for the complete government takeover of the country’s major mass transit system. ... Read more

October 23, 2014

By Lawrence Agcaoili | The Philippine Star | January 23, 2014

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) said the P56-billion budget for the government takeover of the Metro Rail Transit line 3 (MRT3) along EDSA is already available. ... Read more

October 23, 2014

By Lailany P. Gomez | Manila Standard Today | January 23, 2014

The Budget Department has approved a P56-billion budget for the equity buyout of Metro Rail Transit Corp., Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya said Wednesday. ... Read more

October 24, 2014

By Camille Diola | philstar.com | December 18, 2013

MANILA, Philippines - The congested Metro Rail Transit (MRT) now only allows 500 people to board at a time to accommodate passengers in other stations. ... Read more

October 23, 2014

By Cliff Harvey C. Venzon

ONE of the private investors in Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) is open to selling its interest to the government “if the price is right,” a senior company official said last week. ... Read more

October 23, 2014

philippinetimesofsouthernnevada.com | October 16, 2013

The Metro Rail Transit Corp. Line 3 is offering free rides to all Filipino soldiers on Oct. 16-17 in connection with the celebration of the 18th Non-Commissioned Officers Corps Week. ... Read more

October 23, 2014

Philippine News Agency | October 2, 2013

MANILA, Philippines - The country’s mass rail systems on Tuesday announced that senior citizens will have a chance to enjoy free rides on any of the three train lines on Saturday, October 5. ... Read more

October 23, 2014

By Alena Mae S. Flores | Manila Standard Today | September 27, 2013

A transportation expert has called on the government to start initiating the P10-billion rehabilitation and expansion of the Metro Rail Transit 3 to decongest traffic and ensure the safety of commuters. Rene Santiago, president of Bellwether Advisory Inc., told reporters MRT 3 trains had not undergone an upgrade since 2002 and that they were designed by Czechoslovakia in the 1930s. ... Read more

October 23, 2014

By Michael Punongbayan | The Philippine Star | August 1, 2013

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) released P4.5 billion in government funds to the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) for the controversial Metro Rail Transit (MRT) 3 expansion project in 2011 – a move that the Commission on Audit (COA) finds questionable. ... Read more

October 23, 2014

Philippine Daily Inquirer | July 22, 2013

MANILA, Philippines—Philippine Ratings Services Corp. (PhilRatings), a debt watcher, has upgraded the rating of the Metro Rail Transit Line 3’s debt. ... Read more

October 23, 2014

GMA News | October 17, 2012

Metro Pacific Investment Corporation (“MPIC”) fully supports the government’s infrastructure program, specifically the MRT 3 capacity expansion project. Both the private and public sectors should be partners in rebuilding the Philippines’ infrastructure through the injection of investments that would infuse momentum into our improving economy. ... Read more

October 23, 2014

By Boo Chanco | The Philippine Star | September 28, 2012

Even if Mar Roxas brought in four lawyers as his undersecretaries at DOTC, it seems it is not enough to show that they knew what they were doing. Incoming DOTC Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya must now spend time trying to sort out the legal booby traps in their approach to MRT 3’s rehabilitation. ... Read more

October 23, 2014

By: Darwin G. Amojelar | InterAksyon.com | July 25, 2012

MANILA - Daily ridership at the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 hit nearly half-a-million at end-April, according to the Metro Rail Transit Authority. ... Read more

October 23, 2014

By Lenie Lectura | BusinessMirror | January 26, 2012

MANILA, Philippines - Metro Pacific Investment Corp. (MPIC) on Wednesday invoked a little-known agreement it said it had signed with the Metro Rail Transit Corp. to claim its “legal right” to undertake the capacity expansion program for the MRT Line 3. ... Read more

October 23, 2014

By Paolo G. Montecillo | Philippine Daily Inquirer | January 25, 2012

Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC), led by businessman Manuel V. Pangilinan, is asserting its right as owner of the company that signed the build-lease-transfer (BLT) contract for the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) Line 3. ... Read more

October 23, 2014

By Doris C. Dumlao | Philippine Daily Inquirer | August 7, 2011

HONG KONG—Infrastructure holding firm Metro Pacific Investments Corp. has initiated talks with the new leadership at the Department of Transportation and Communications (DoTC) to revive its bid to rehabilitate and upgrade the Metro Railway Transit Line 3, the Philippines’ biggest elevated railway system line. ... Read more

October 23, 2014

abs-cbnNEWS.com | Feb 03, 2011

MANILA, Philippines - Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC), the local infrastructure arm of First Pacific Co. Ltd., on Thursday revealed that its interest in the Metro Rail Transit 3 now stands at 48%. ... Read more

October 23, 2014

By Mary Ann Ll. Reyes | November 24, 2010

MANILA, Philippines - Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC) is prepared to pour in anywhere from $300 million to $700 million for the expansion and improvement of the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) 3 system. ... Read more

October 23, 2014

By Mary Ann LL. Reyes 
November 16, 2010

MANILA, Philippines - Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC) has entered into an agreement to acquire a part of Fil-Estate Corp.’s stake in four Metro Rail Transit (MRT)-3 companies. ... Read more

October 29, 2014

The Business Mirror Editorial | August 17, 2014

THE twin accidents that hit the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) of late are shimmering examples of how an insufficient upkeep program can ruin a perfectly good idea. ... Read more