On the Ombudsman’s Decision to Indict Former DOTC Sec. Abaya, 16 Others Over MRT-3 Mess

Wazzup Pilipinas!

REFERENCE: DOTr Undersecretary for Legal Affairs and Procurement Atty. Reinier Paul R. Yebra 

The Resolution from the Office of the Ombudsman, which indicts former transport officials and other concerned individuals for graft over the PhP4.2-Billion MRT-3 Maintenance Contract, has reached the Department of Transportation (DOTr) via news reports.

According to a press release posted at the official website of the Office of the Ombudsman, the Ombudsman’s special panel of investigators found that “extended unwarranted benefits, advantage and preference” was given to Busan Universal Rail Inc. of Busan Joint Venture (Busan JV) despite it being “ineligible” and “unqualified” as it was “not technically, legally and financially capable to undertake the MRT3 long-term maintenance contract”.

It further stated that “by allowing the award of the contract to the Busan JV despite the attendant glaring irregularities, Abaya deliberately ignored applicable laws, rules and regulations, and standard operating procedures, falling short of or disregarding the required competence expected of him in the performance of his official functions.” 

Upon receipt of an official copy of the Resolution, the DOTr will consult with the Office of the Solicitor General as it intends to pursue plunder charges against the indicted personalities, as well as include in the case other officials and personalities exculpated from the Resolution, in efforts to promote accountability and transparency.

We assure the public that the DOTr will get to the bottom of these anomalous contracts, and go after the people who sacrificed the welfare of MRT-3 riders in the name of personal interests.