'14 AUG 14 All:1 8

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) Second Regular Session ) '14 AUG 14 All:1 8 SENATE 839 P. s. R. No. ____ Introduced by SENATOR SONNY ANGARA RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE APPROPRIATE SENATE COMMITTEE TO INVESTIGATE, IN AID OF LEGISLATION, THE MRT 3 INCIDENT LAST AUGUST 13, 2014, AND THEREBY INCLUDING THE RE-EXAMINATION OF THE CURRENT PUBLIC AND MASS TRANSPORT SYSTEM IN THE COUNTRY FOR THE PURPOSE OF PLANNING FOR THE NEXT HALF CENTURY. WHEREAS, the country has been experiencing exemplary economic performance as manifested in unprecedented GOP growth, which has ranged from 6-7 percent since 2011; in the country's first investment grade credit rating upgrades throughout its history; in the steady inflow of foreign direct investments (FOls) which reached record highs in 2012 at US$3.1 billion and again in 2013 at US$3.9 billion; and in the international community's renewed confidence in the country, culminating recently in a speech by World Bank President Jim Yong Kim who heaped praises on the Philippines and described it "the next Asian miracle." WHEREAS, an efficient mass transit system, particularly in a highly-urbanized megapolis such as the Metro Manila, is a key component and a lever for a sustained economic growth in any growing nation; WHEREAS, the recent incident involving the Metro Rail Transit 3 (MRT 3), wherein an MRT train car, during rush hour, derailed and overshot its track at the EOSA-Taft station, causing injuries to at least 30 individuals, mostly commuters; WHEREAS, such incident was actually an accident-in-waiting considering MRT 3 currently operates double its original capacity at 500,000 passengers a day when it was originally designed for only 350,000, and warnings from experts on the safety and maintenance of the MRT, particularly on "metal fatigue" were made earlier this year; WHEREAS, unfortunately, this was not the first malfunction or incident involving the MRT as reports reveal as follows: a. February 2012 - disruption of operations due to a small fracture at the tracks between the Guadalupe and Buendia stations; b. March 2012 - delayed deployments of MRT trains from the North Avenue station due to technical glitch in parking area; c. August 2012 - hit by power outage; d. November 2012 - a short-circuit caused fire in one MRT couch at Kamuning Station; e. March 2013 - operations were interrupted due to technical difficulties; f. October 1,2013 - shut down of operations; g. March 2014 - an MRT train suddenly stopped at the Ayala Station causing at least 10 commuters hurt; h. June 2014 - operations were halted due to a cable glitch; WHEREAS, the litany of incidents highlights the need to look into the operation worthiness of the MRT to ensure the safety and welfare of riding public that bear daily long cues just to ply through the metro. Such re-examination should include all existing and planned inter-city mass transit systems in Metro Manila and the country in the context of establishing a comprehensive, integrated, coordinated, environment-friendly, sustainable and long-term transport network; WHEREAS, the government institutional set up may also be re-examined to address the weak coordination, regulation and oversight for public transportation and mass transit pOliCies and plans. WHEREAS, government agencies involved including the Philippine National Railways whose charter was extended for another 50 years under RA 10638 with eXisting plans for improved infrastructure development in the implementation of the Philippine Development Plan 2011-2016, must accelerate these infrastructure plans to keep up with the growing needs of the riding public; WHEREFORE, be it resolved by the Philippine Senate to conduct an inquiry, in aid of legislation, on the MRT 3 incident as well as the country's rail system and transport network policy with the view of instituting policy reforms to address the country's infrastructure needs in the next 50 years. Adopted, SENAT SONNY ANGARA .

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