The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is moving to expedite repairs and facility upgrades at several LRT-1 stations, starting with Baclaran Station, following an inspection led by Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez that revealed years-long maintenance lapses.
Speaking in an interview on DZRH’s Dos Por Dos, Lopez said he was shocked to discover that the Baclaran Station had no running water for four years, prompting his now-viral outburst during the inspection.
“Tama po. And out of frustrations po. At napamura ako sa sitwasyon,” Lopez admitted.
“Dahil po nakita po natin ay talaga po talagang madumi po, hindi maayos. At ang una pong akin naisip na kawawa yung ating mga commuters,” he added.
Lopez said that after the inspection, Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC) — the private operator of LRT-1 — reached out to assure the DOTr that water and sanitation issues will be prioritized under its modernization program.
“Right after inspection, ang LRMC ay naghatid ng mensahe kay Administrator Cabrera na talagang pinaprioritize na daw nila yung tubig, ayusin nila yung Baclaran, part of their modernization program,” Lopez said.
“Kahapon din po nakatanggap ako ng text sa LRMC na talagang ayusin na po nila — hindi lang Baclaran, pati na rin yung mga ibang estasyon na nasasakupan ng LRMC.”
Lopez emphasized that LRT-1’s maintenance and cleanliness should not depend on whether facilities are old or new, as the railway has been operating since 1984.
“Okay lang naman po kapag luma na. Ang gusto lang po natin, malinis, maayos. Yun naman po hindi hirap gawin po. Whether it’s a new or old facility, basta malinis, maayos, may tubig, tatanggapin yan ng taong bayan.”
He also expressed concern over other issues observed during the visit — including slippery stairs, unfinished construction, and a lack of urgency from maintenance teams.
“Yung mga iba ko pang nakita, napakadulas ng stairs… may isang matanda hirap na hirap [umakyat], umuulan pa,” Lopez said.
Lopez confirmed that the DOTr and LRMC are now discussing the installation of elevators and anti-slip features at Baclaran and other stations that were built without accessibility provisions.
“Wala po [elevator]. Yun po yung sinasabi natin — when it was designed, wala talagang provision,” Lopez said.
“Pag-isipan na rin natin, kakausapin natin ang LRMC, tignan na natin kung saan pwede maglagay ng elevator… pinagpupulong ngayon ang ating LRMC at LRTA para yan yung mga pag-uusapan at isasama na rin yung mga iba’t ibang estasyon na ganito din ang sitwasyon.
Lopez added that the DOTr will continue unannounced inspections and urged commuters to help by reporting problems directly to the agency.
“Hindi namin ito magagawa mag-isa,” he said. “Kailangan talaga namin yung tulong ng ating kababayan kasi sila po yung talagang nakakaranas araw-araw ng mga ganitong sitwasyon… iparating nila sa amin at kami naman po ay aaksyonan po talaga namin.”
Lopez reaffirmed that his priority as Acting Secretary is to restore safety, cleanliness, and dignity in public transport facilities.
“Ang punto ko nga po dito, parang tinutulungan natin sila,” he said. “Kasi po kapag may nangyari sa ating mananakay… obligasyon nyo [LRMC] na pangalagaan and to make sure the station is safe for everyone.”
The LRMC was given until the end of the year to fix the facilities the Baclaran Station.
