Manila: Officials of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Wednesday inspected key transport facilities across Metro Manila to ensure uninterrupted operations following days of heavy rains brought by the southwest monsoon (habagat).

According to Philippines News Agency, the inspections covered the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3), EDSA Busway, Para±aque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX), and Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 (NAIA T3). Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez ordered the inspection to ensure that train, busway, port, and airport services remain operational, ensuring safe and comfortable travel.

The inspection was conducted by a composite team that included DOTr Undersecretary for Planning and Project Development Teodorico Delfin, Assistant Secretary for Road Transport and Non-Infrastructure Dioscoro Reyes, Assistant Secretary for Maritime Villamor Plan, and Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) Director General Raul del Rosario. The team reviewed facilities at the Quezon Avenue and Araneta-Cubao stations of MRT-3, scrutinizing ticketing areas, escalators, elevators, and CCTV rooms.

Delfin assured that no property loss or structural damage was reported in rail infrastructure projects such as the MRT-7, North-South Commuter Railway, Metro Manila Subway Project, and the Common Station. The EDSA Busway Megamall station was also found to be in good condition, with no damaged escalators or elevators. At PITX, the team observed that trips continued despite intermittent rains, with only a few delays recorded due to the swift action of terminal operators.

The inspection team also assessed NAIA Terminal 3 for any flights affected by heavy rainfall. Delfin confirmed that the situation at MRT-3, EDSA Busway, PITX, and NAIA was in order after the heavy rains, with no damage recorded. The DOTr continues to implement free-ride programs for commuters and provide shelter, food, water, and charging areas for stranded passengers.

Meanwhile, CAAP reported five cancelled Cebu Pacific flights as of Wednesday and continues to monitor weather conditions and airport operations to ensure passenger safety.