The Department of Transportation (DOTr) Metro Rail Transit (MRT) management issued an apology after personnel at the Shaw Boulevard Station were seen holding up tarpaulin signs to direct commuters to the station’s functioning escalators.

“The actions of the station supervisor involved were not authorized by MRT-3 management and were immediately stopped the moment the management learned about it,” the management clarified.

Moreover, Transportation Secretary Giovanni “Banoy” Lopez had already ordered the immediate relief of the station supervisor, who has since been referred to the MRT-3 Disciplinary Committee for appropriate investigation and corresponding sanctions.

“DOTr-MRT-3 also apologizes to the personnel who were asked to carry the said tarpaulins. That is not part of their function and no personnel shall be treated that way,” the DOTr MRT-3 said.

The said incident sparked public backlash after a commuter posted photos of the personnel holding up signs along the non-functioning escalators. A social media user expressed frustration over the matter, stating, “DoTR, anong kalokohan to? Ang gusto namin ayusin niyo ang escalators, hindi yung kung anu-ano pinapagawa niyo sa tauhan niyo!”

The uploader clarified that the photos posted were taken on different dates, adding, “Isang malaking kalokohan! Bilisan niyo na lang ayusin ang sirang escalators, hindi yung walang kuwenta mga pinag-uutos niyo sa tauhan niyo.”

Corrective measures are being undertaken to prevent similar incidents from happening again, the DOTr MRT-3 assured.