Mar Roxas Left by Japan Train After It Left 20 Seconds Ahead of Schedule, Korina Screams in Public

The Japanese people are known for their punctuality. But last Thursday, November 16, a Tsukuba Express train left the train station 20 seconds ahead of schedule. The management immediately released a public apology. However, former DILG Secretary Mar Roxas was left behind, while his wife Korina Sanchez allegedly shouted in public.



In a statement, Tsukuba Express said their train had been scheduled to leave at 9:44:40 (local time) but left at 9:44:20, or exactly 20 seconds earlier. According to the train company, their crew at Minami Nagareyama Station did not check the departure time of the train. “We deeply apologize for causing tremendous nuisance to customers," it said.

"What matters is not the 20 seconds. The point is that our formal procedure should be this: A sound rings 15 seconds before the departure, followed by an announcement asking for caution due to the closing doors, and then the doors shut," a company spokesman said, adding that it could caused accidents because some passengers might jump on the train.

When the news broke out, netizens from different parts of the world rushed to Twitter and praised Tsukuba Express’ apology. Most of them appreciated Japan’s humility in accepting mistakes and willingness to apologize despite the fact the error is considerably minor. However, Korina Sanchez does not seem to be happy for what happened.

According to an OFW who happened to be on the train that left early, she saw Korina alone on the said train station. She said that when the door closed, she heard Mar’s wife shouting, “Wait, my husband is still outside!” but the train left and Mar was left behind. It was later learned that Mar bought something, and arrived at the station at around 9:45.



The netizen added that it is true that Tsukuba Express did not receive any complaint regarding the train that left early. Nevertheless, she concluded that Mar and Korina did not bother to complain not because they don’t want to, but because it was Mar’s fault. He was around 20 seconds late, and will still not be able to catch up even if the train left on time.

Contributed by Karenina Saulo