This time, their attention was called out of concern for the station staff.
On Wednesday, February 11, a video instantly went viral on social media, where passengers were able to film staff members holding tarpaulin signs to direct commuters to the functioning escalators in and around the station.
The netizens then called the attention of the management of Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) and the Department of Transportation (DOTr) over what they regarded as “inhumane” treatment of staff.
In its statement, the MRT-3 and DOTr said that they are “sincerely” apologetic for the incident and told, “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.“
Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez has also ordered the immediate relief of the station supervisor, who was then 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,” they added.
To end, they assured commuters that “corrective measures” are being undertaken to prevent similar incidents from happening again, and that they “remain committed to upholding accountability, efficiency, and respect in all our operations.”
This is the latest incident at the same station, which also gained attention last weekend for a signage at one of its escalators, which read: “Each step you climb is a gift to your heart, lungs, and muscles.”
That immediately caused a stir online, with many people calling it out as an action “gaslighting” commuters for using the escalator.
Some also called it as ableist and unsympathetic to exhausted workers, elderly passengers, and those with mobility problems.
The MRT-3 management and DOTr said that the sign, which it deemed “unnecessary” and an initiative of one of the station supervisors, was taken down following the backlash.
MRT-3 also emphasized that it is moving on the contrary, as the convenience of the commuters is always their “paramount concern and priority.”
“In the first place, there is no need for such signage since all escalators are operational. It only caused unnecessary confusion,” the management added.