Bam Aquino Slams Free MRT Rides for Soldiers, “Dapat pati teachers libre din”

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is giving all active members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) free rides via the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) for a year starting Wednesday, April 25. But while this wonderful gesture from the government pleased the public, Liberal Party (LP) Senator Bam Aquino is not totally satisfied.

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“One of the most difficult responsibilities is to be a soldier. This is a small favor to show our gratitude for their sacrifices and love for the country,” Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade said in a statement. He signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with Brigadier General Bienvenido Datuin, Jr., Civil Service Relations AFP (CRSAFP).

Under the said deal, Tugade said that active military personnel should present their AFP identification cards before they can enjoy the free MRT rides. In return, the AFP will also be providing the DOTr-MRT3 ambulance and medical teams for assistance during emergency and crisis situations upon advance coordination and when available.

It can be recalled that last year, a MOA was also approved and signed between the AFP and the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA), granting all uniformed AFP personnel free rides at the LRT-2 until December 2018 at the LRT-2. This gesture of was part of the government’s appreciation to soldiers who who battled terrorists in Marawi City.

Meanwhile, Sen. Bam Aquino said he is somehow happy with this action by the government. However, he doubted its purpose saying that soldiers are not only the ones who deserve the free MRT rides. The Opposition senator demanded that teachers should also enjoy the same benefits, adding that they are also heroes of the country.

“Natutuwa naman ako kahit pano dahil nire-recognize ng gobyerno ang mga sakripisyo ng ating mga sundalo. Kaso tingin ko gusto lang magpalakas ng ating pangulo sa kanila. Mula nang maupo siya, laging priority ang mga sundalo, para ba ipagtanggol siya pag ayaw na sa kanya ng taong bayan?” Aquino said in an ambush interview.



“Mababa din ang sweldo ng ating mga guro, alam nyo yun, tapos minsan nag-aabono pa sila para lang matustusan ang pangangailan ng mga estudyante na hindi maibigay ng gobyerno. Inuna nga nila taasan ang sweldo ng mga pulis at sundalo kesa sa mga guro, tapos libreng sakay lang ng MRT, tila pinagdadamot pa.” He added.

Contributed by Renato Pasayao