The Malasakit Help Desk serves as a one-stop shop for passenger assistance in airports, seaports, train stations, and land terminals. (Photo courtesy of: Department of Transportation)
MANILA -- The Department of Transportation (DOTr) clarified that there is nothing political in the opening of Malasakit Help Desks (MHDs) in major transport facilities across the country.
The DOTr said the MHDs are intended to serve as one-stop shops for passenger assistance in airports, seaports, train stations, and land terminals.
“While we cannot deter conjectures on the branding of Malasakit, the DOTr maintains that the establishment of MHDs has nothing to do with politics,” the DOTr said in a statement.
The DOTr vowed that its officials and employees will not be engaged in politicking during the election season.
“DOTr officials and employees will not engage in the volley of politicking this election season. We remain focused on the goal of delivering transport infrastructure and programs to the Filipino people as fast as possible and as fast as we can,” according to the department.
The DOTr communications office said the establishment of the MHDs was in compliance with a verbal directive issued by Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade last year.
The help desks will handle inquiries and complaints, provide road-related assistance, facilitate the refund of terminal fees, provide attestation of cause of trip cancellation or delays, deliver emergency medical assistance, accept reports of possible security threats, and extend other forms of assistance to commuters.
The DOTr has set up the MHDs in various transportation facilities such as the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Metro Rail Transit Line 3, Araneta Center Bus Terminal and Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange.
It expects to establish more one-stop assistance in all major transportation hubs by the end of this month. (PNA)
