Commuters’ group wants DOTr execs out

MANILA, Philippines – An umbrella network of commuter stakeholders said yesterday Transportation Undersecretary for Rails Noel Kintanar was just a “sacrificial lamb” when he quit his post supposedly to ease pressure on Department of Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade to resign over his alleged incompetence in running the DOTr.

“We have likened this to a chess game where you sacrifice the rook to save the king,” Road Users Protection Advocates chairman Ray Junia said.

“If there is anyone who should resign first, that should be Tugade,” Junia added.

Junia said lawmakers have said that Tugade “is not fit to head the DOTr.”

He said the Commission on Appointments must stand firm on its earlier decision not to confirm Tugade as transportation chief despite his reappointment.

“If Tugade has self-respect left, he should resign immediately,” Junia said.

Two lawmakers have called for the resignation of three more DOTr undersecretaries due to conflict of interest.

Quezon City Rep. Winston Castelo and Akbayan party-list Rep. Tom Villarin said the officials – Undersecretary for air operations Robert Lim, Undersecretary for maritime affairs Felipe Judan and Undersecretary for legal affairs Raoul Creencia – should resign to spare the Duterte administration from accusations of irregularities.