Photo credit: DOTr MRT-3

Change is coming to the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) as its General Manager, Oscar Bongon, has been officially removed from his position. According to Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vince Dizon, he has already submitted his recommendation for Bongon’s replacement, and they’re now just waiting for the official appointment papers from the Office of the President.

A Leadership Shake-Up

When asked whether his recent MRT ride influenced his decision, Secretary Dizon denied any direct connection. Instead, he emphasized the need for a leadership shift, especially in agencies that significantly impact the daily lives of commuters.
“It’s really about pushing for meaningful changes in our agencies, especially those that affect our people’s everyday commute,” Dizon said.

Urgent Action Needed

One of the key reasons for this leadership change? Efficiency—or the lack of it. Dizon pointed to issues like the prolonged downtime of MRT escalators, which frustrated many commuters.

“We need people who will take action immediately. Take, for example, that escalator issue at the MRT last week—it took way too long to fix. I don’t like that kind of attitude where things are delayed and not treated with urgency,” Dizon explained.

With a new general manager expected to step in soon, commuters will be hoping for faster, more responsive management of the MRT-3. After all, in a city where every minute counts, delays—whether in leadership or in fixing a broken escalator—are the last thing commuters need.