MRT fares: Erap’s stroke of genius DIE HARD III Herman Tiu Laurel 02/01/2010

MRT fares: Erap’s stroke of genius DIE HARD III Herman Tiu Laurel 02/01/2010 Ten years ago today, Feb. 1, 2000, was the time the MetroStar Rail Transit (MRT) truly came into real public service. Construction of the MRT started in 1997. Its Build-Operate-Transfer project had a “sovereign guarantee” from the FVR government. The MRT consortium, led by the Sobrepeñas, Ayalas, Agustins, among others, set the fares as high as P35 to P45. They said that this was necessary to recoup their investments during the contract’s stipulated time frame but failed to mention that the contract was severely overpriced as well. Upon the MRT’s official launch in December 1999, the sleek new train cabs that plied its Edsa route of 16.9 kilometers suddenly found themselves without passengers. Even at the time of its launch, Estrada already noted, as he ceremonially drove one of the MRT’s couches, that the fares set by the project’s financial planners were simply too high. Wikipedia recounts: “Ridership was initially far below expectations… and fares were higher than on the LRT.” And that was still an understatement. Two months into the MRT’s operations, Estrada argued that commuters couldn’t afford the high rates, which made the MRT a wasted convenience, as well as a burden to government, which had to pay millions each day in subsidies. Thus, after realizing the magnitude of the problem, Estrada immediately ordered that MRT fares be drastically reduced to a minimum of P9 to a maximum of P20. Today, the MRT carries up to 700,000 passengers a day.  Now why didn’t Fidel Ramos, his Transportation secretary, Jesus Garcia, and the corporate oligarchs, plus their technocrats, think of that when they framed the terms of the agreement? Perhaps Estrada was able to think of dramatically reducing MRT fares only because of his combined common sense and his heart for the welfare of the people. Doc Childre, an international expert in psychology, says, “Harmonizing heart and brain through love is what can establish a complete intelligence…” Certainly, love for the people is what distinguishes Estrada from the rest of the crop. This is especially true in the current campaign where the other top presidential bets are devoid of heart, and some say, a fully developed brain. In everything, Estrada has combined his heart and mind to achieve results for the benefit of the people and the nation — be it in the fight for Mindanao or our food security. Even what some say is Estrada’s weakness, i.e. his softness to confidantes who have betrayed his trust, relates more to his compassion and magnanimity. Even his debacles have become a source of historical lessons for all, such as Cory Aquino’s apology for Edsa II. That is why two Edsa III groups have set out to remember Erap’s brilliance in solving that MRT dilemma, a feat which the so-called technocrats and financial whiz kids could never hope to achieve. The FPJ Volunteers Brigade and the TAO will distribute 50,000 leaflets at key MRT stations today to expound on what Erap did, which has allowed over 150 million people to benefit from this fast and convenient transport service each year, thereby saving government billions in subsidies over the decade. If there is any talk today that the MRT has to raise its rates to as high as P70 because of alleged losses, then it’s time we used the heart and mind of President Estrada once again to confront this. Of course, given the project’s history, several things need to be considered before any fare increases. First, we need to review the FVR-shepherded agreement’s abusive financial terms. Then, we have to weed out corruption in the MRT’s management. And third, we need to acquire additional train carriages to increase trips, as well as revenues. Indeed, more and more Filipinos are looking forward to the return of President Estrada’s “heart and mind” leadership. A new Pulse Asia survey has found a dramatic rise in the number of voters going for him. This should not be surprising for even El Shaddai’s Mike Velarde admitted a short time ago that right after the Comelec cleared the way for Erap’s run, half of his flock immediately swung their support back to him. It’s only a matter of time before the rest go back to Estrada, especially after Manny Villar’s dismal reaction to all the charges hurled against him, particularly in the Senate. We have also been told that 70 percent of Mindanao is already back in the Erap fold, particularly after the recent statements of North Cotabato Vice Gov. Manny Piñol who wants Estrada back to halt another treasonous Bangsa Moro substate agreement. I cannot end without expressing my deepest sympathies to the brave souls of the AFP who perished in the recent PAF plane crash. If there is anyone to blame for these continuing tragedies, it is the Edsa I leaders who started scuttling the nation’s economic and defense capabilities with their subservience to globalization, liberalization and privatization. Estrada’s pro-Filipino heart and practical self-reliant mind will reverse all these crises for the betterment of our nation, our economy and our AFP. (Tune in to 1098AM, Sulo ng Pilipino, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.; Global News Network, Destiny Cable Channel 21, Talk News TV, Tuesday, 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. on “Quezon City’s Anti-Tax, Anti-Pink Line Candidates”; also visit http://hermantiulaurel.blogspot.com) | More Back to top For comments about this website:Webmaster@tribune.net.ph The Daily Tribune © 2006

COMMENTARY EDITORIAL Another near miss FRONTLINE It’s all political ZOOMING IN Rural banking system in disarray DIE HARD III MRT fares: Erap’s stroke of genius FEATURE Calling E.T. may not be a smart move, say some HE SAYS Last two minutes SHE SAYS Nothing new

(Reprinted with permission from Mr. Herman Tiu Laurel)

Source:  The Daily Tribune

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