Duterte spokesman rides MRT-3

MANILA, Philippines — Presidential spokesman Harry Roque rode the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) and Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1) on his way to Malacañang yesterday.

Claiming he wanted “to get the pulse of the ordinary riders” without special treatment, Roque was accompanied by security escorts and reporters throughout his trip.

Roque described his experience as pleasant, speedy and “cold” despite the long lines at the station, as he apologized to any inconvenience his trip might have caused commuters. 

The spokesperson said he will report back to President Duterte that improving the train systems is still the best solution to Metro Manila’s worsening traffic problems. 

“It is clear to me that the solution is to improve the MRT-3 so more people will ride and not use their cars,” he said of the MRT-3, which sees 500,000 passengers every day.

He added that it is imperative for the MRT-3 to increase the number of coaches and improve its service, similar to LRT-1, which he praised.

The MRT-3 has been facing criticism lately due to frequent glitches as well as a recent “decoupling” incident wherein a coach was left behind by the main train in between stations. 

Roque said he decided to try the trains during off-peak hours so as not to inconvenience more commuters, which he attributed to the media frenzy.

He brushed aside criticisms that he was doing this as a public relations stunt and claimed that the government is just trying to get in touch with the plight of the commuters. 

No ride sharing

Roque rode the MRT-3 at the start of the line at the North Avenue and waited around 10 minutes in line before he was able to board the train.

However, at the succeeding stations, lines for the first door of the last coach, where Roque was seated, were cleared and no passengers were allowed to board.

Roque denied that lines were being cleared for him or that there was any special treatment. He said this would “defeat the purpose” of him experiencing what regular riders go through.

After transferring to the LRT-1, passengers were again prohibited to board the train where Roque was seated at the succeeding stations.

Even with the security detail and the off-peak visit, Roque said his experience was “realistic” but he said he can only imagine what the ordinary Filipino is going through during the cramped rush hour.