Sumitomo eyes MRT service contract

INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Japanese industrial giant Sumitomo Corp. may make another bid for the long-term contract to maintain the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) train line on Epifanio de los Santos Ave.

In an interview, a top Sumitomo executive said the company should be given credit for keeping the MRT running relatively smoothly despite a shortage of spare parts for most of the train line’s outdated equipment and systems.

“We know the business very well since we were the operations and maintenance (O&M) contractor for 12 years until last Friday,” said the official, who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter.

“But still, prudence dictates that we step back and take a more objective look at the opportunity,” the official said.

The official said Sumitomo kept MRT running despite challenges posed by old coaches and lack of spare parts. “We have a name to protect so we made sure MRT was convenient and safe for our riders. Up to our last day as contractor last Friday, we kept all the 73 coaches running well,” the official said. “We turned over the whole system completely and properly, with the process lasting up to the early hours of Saturday.”

The official said Sumitomo remained supportive of the government and its efforts to improve its infrastructure and grow the economy. “The Philippines is a bright economic spot. Sumitomo is a global conglomerate. It makes sense for the two to work together for their mutual benefit.”

Until last Friday, Sumitomo was responsible for the upkeep of the MRT train line. Sumitomo never directly participated in the maintenance of the MRT. Instead, it had partnered with a local subcontractor, TES Philippines.

Local firm PH Trams-CB&T was appointed to replace Sumitomo for an interim period of six months. During that time, the government said it would start a bidding process to find a company that would handle the train line’s maintenance for the long term.

In a briefing Monday, the Department of Transportation and Communications said it was considering suing MRT Corp. (MRTC), the Edsa train line’s private concessionaire, for letting Sumitomo’s contract expire without finding a new replacement.