Solon seeks probe of alleged P4M worth of fake safety gear for MRT

A party-list lawmaker on Tuesday filed a resolution seeking an investigation into the alleged purchase and installation of fake train safety equipment on the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3).

House Resolution 1212, filed by PBA party-list Representative Jericho Nograles, seeks to direct the Committee on Good Government to conduct an inquiry in aid of legislation into the issue that involves the Busan Universal Rail Inc. (BURI), the maintenance provider of the MRT-3.

According to the resolution, BURI on November 28, 2016 purchased from Diamond Pearl Manufacturing P4 million worth of supposedly fake train safety equipment, which have been installed to train cabs.

Diamond Pearl Manufacturing, however, is not an authorized supplier and distributor of the proprietary parts from Bombardier Transportation Signal Ltd., the maker of MRT-3 safety components for its signaling system.

"This is very, very dangerous. Using fake spare parts for a very critical component such as safety equipment for signaling system is a criminal act. Our people's lives and limbs are in danger each time they take the MRT-3 because the train system uses fake safety components," Nograles said in a statement.

"This maintenance service contract of MRT-3 is becoming messier and messier. Now we have discovered that we don't only have a fake contract but our MRT-3 also have fake spare parts!" he added.

According to Nograles, one source of the service interruptions in MRT-3 is its signaling system or safety system, with 21 incidents between January 2016 and July 2017.

He also cited data from the MRT Control Center showing that in 2016, the mass transport system experienced the most number of service interruptions, with 58 under BURI.

Nograles stressed that the safety equipment for the MRT-3's signalling system is important to ensure the safety of the commuters.

"Be it resolved, as it is hereby resolved by the House of Representatives, urging the Committee on Good Governance and Public Accountability to conduct an inquiry, in aid of legislation, on the alleged purchase and installation of P4 million worth of fake train safety equipment on the MRT-3," the resolution read. —NB, GMA News