MARCH 6, 2026 — It wasn’t the usual sweaty commute that went viral this week. It was cockroaches crawling inside an MRT-3 train handrail. 

A netizen shared photos on Facebook after feeling “like someone bit me” while leaning on the rail, only to discover a tiny roach hiding inside. The post exploded online, racking up more than 1,400 reactions and 365 shares, with commuters calling out the Department of Transportation (DOTr) for letting pests ride along with passengers.

The DOTr quickly went into damage control. Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez ordered MRT-3 General Manager Michael Capati to investigate, and Capati wasted no time issuing a notice to explain to Sumitomo Corporation, the Japanese firm responsible for maintaining the trains. 

The agency assured the public that the affected train was immediately inspected and disinfected, stressing that sanitation protocols are “constantly reinforced” to keep passengers safe.

But here’s the thing: cockroaches in public transport aren’t exactly shocking in Metro Manila. Anyone who’s braved the MRT knows the daily grind comes with sweat, dust, and sometimes unwanted critters. 

The MRT-3 has long been a magnet for commuter frustration, from overcrowding to breakdowns. This latest incident adds another layer to the conversation. Sure, management acted fast, but the fact that roaches were spotted at all is a reminder that maintenance isn’t just about engines and tracks — it’s about the small details that shape the commuter experience. 

Clean trains aren’t a luxury; they’re a basic sign of respect for passengers who already endure enough.

If you were stuck shoulder-to-shoulder in a packed MRT car and saw cockroaches crawling just inches away, would you scream, swat, or simply endure?

(Image: Joy Verdal)