Sa isang pahayag, itinanggi ni Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque ang sinabi ni Robredo na naghahanap lamang ng masisisi ang gobyerno sa patuloy na mga aberya sa MRT-3.
“We find the Vice President’s remarks unfortunate. With all due respect to Vice President Robredo, the MRT-3 issue is not about covering up shortcomings,” sabi ni Roque.
Idinagdag ni Roque na patas na hinaharap ng administrasyon ang problema sa MRT-3.
“The President has even apologized over a recent train mishap and transport officials admitted that while they cannot solve the problems overnight they are working double time to restore the convenience and reliability of the MRT-3 by getting a proven maintenance firm and buying needed parts,” giit pa ni Roque.
Kasabay nito, sinabi ni Roque na hindi maitatanggi na minana lamang sa nakaraang administrasyon ang mga problema sa MRT-3.
“However, we cannot deny the fact that these are cumulative problems that the Administration inherited and the long-suffering commuters of Metro Manila have known for years how the past government destroyed the MRT,” ayon pa kay Roque.
Ani Roque dapat lamang managot ang mga dating opisyal sa mga problemang nadatnan ng pamahalaan sa MRT-3.
“The filing of the plunder complaint against officials of the previous administration was to make them accountable. These officials facilitated the negotiated procurement of long-term maintenance contracts to BURI, which per the Supplemental Complaint Affidavit filed by the DOTr, turned the DOTC as a bottomless cash cow entering into one anomalous procurement project,” sabi pa ni Roque.
Kabilang sa mga kinasuhan ng plunder ay si dating Transportation secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya.
“We cannot simply sweep the sins of incompetence and corruption under the rug with the harsh reality of half a million daily suffering riding public staring us in the face.kaunting background,” ani Roque.