The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has emphasized that the MRT-3 trains are safe for public use. The statement was issued in response to the claims of Kamanggagawa Party-list Representative Eli San Fernando, together with three employees from MRT-3.

Rep. San Fernando claims in his vlog that the rail transit is unsafe for the commuters.

“Nakatanggap tayo ng nakakabahalang impormasyon na yung MRT ay nagpapatakbo ng mga tren kahit alam naman nila na hindi ‘to safe,” he said

[“We have received alarming information that the MRT is operating trains even if they already know that it’s unsafe.”]

The congressman also confirms with the MRT staff if the four-car train is unsafe because it is not aligned with the proper system, and they agreed.

In a Facebook post, the DOTr strongly disapproves of the claims made by the congressman and the personnel featured in his vlog.

“Ang lahat ng train sets ng MRT-3 ay dumadaan sa masusing technical evaluation, at hinding-hindi papayag ang DOTr at ang maintenance provider na Sumitomo Corporation na makompromiso ang kaligtasan ng mga araw-araw na sumasakay sa tren,” the DOTr said

[“All MRT-3 train sets undergo rigorous technical evaluation, and the DOTr and the maintenance provider, Sumitomo Corporation, will never allow the safety of the commuters to be compromised.”]

In the vlog posted by Rep. San Fernando, a staff member noted that the signaling system for the 4-car train has not yet been built.

However, the DOTr clarified that the signaling system is capable of supporting the 4-car train.

“Ang signaling system ng MRT-3 ay may kakayahang suportahan ang apat na bagon na tumatakbo mula North Avenue hanggang Taft Avenue,” they said

[“The signaling system of MRT-3 can support the 4-car train that runs from the North Avenue to Taft Avenue.”]

Regarding the operation of Dalian trains, DOTC-MRT3A Membership Committee Chairperson Engr. Luis Saman Jr. mentioned that those are not fit for revenue operations.

“Kasi sa Dalian naman talaga, hindi pa pwedeng gamitin for revenue operation yon kasi nga unang-una wala pang complete na training para dyan,” he said

[“The Dalian trains are not yet ready to use for revenue operation because primarily there is no complete training for that.”]

However, the DOTr denied this, stating that Dalian trains undergo the necessary inspections and technical processes before operations.

“Ang mga tren na ito ay dumadaan sa kinakailangang pagsusuri at teknikal na proseso bago payagang gamitin ang operasyon. Patuloy ding nagsasagawa ng mga coordination meeting para matiyak ang kanilang operational readiness at pagsunod sa mga pamantayan sa kaligtasan," according to the DOTr

[“These trains undergo necessary inspections and technical processes before operations. The coordination meetings are continuous to ensure the operational readiness and compliance with community safety standards.”]

Rep. San Fernando also mentioned that he had already submitted a letter to the DOTr to raise the safety concerns last February, but he has not received any response from the agency.

However, according to DOTr, the MRT-3 has responded to Rep. San Fernando, explaining the technical and safety evaluation, proving that the four-car trains are safe for the commuters.