Two lawmakers on Friday called on the government to act immediately on the pest problems at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, noting the country’s airports are not only gateways to the tourism industry but also to labor migration.
OFW party-list Rep. Marissa Magsino on Friday called on the Department of Transportation and the Manila International Airport Authority to investigate not only the incidents of bedbugs at the NAIA Terminals 2 and 3, but also into the congestion and delays of flights.
KABAYAN party-list Rep. Ron Salo on Friday also noted the government should address the issue and ensure the safety of all passengers, particularly Filipino migrant workers and returning overseas Filipino workers.
The delay in the departure process of overseas Filipino workers puts their livelihood in jeopardy due to possible missed flights that could result in failure to fulfill their deployment schedules or return-to-work orders, Magsino added.
“These issues not only cause inconvenience to our countrymen, but also to the image of our country in the international community,” she said.
“We also want to suggest to our agencies the conduct of an in-depth -studying what are the contributing factors to the severe congestion and delays inside the airport, especially the queue at immigration and even the almost stationary traffic around NAIA 3. Isn’t this problem going back and forth? Why is there still no lasting solution?” Magsino asked.
Salo said the presence of bed bugs within the airport premises is deeply concerning and needs immediate and decisive action.
“I call upon NAIA management, in collaboration with the operators, to take immediate and decisive action to address this matter and restore confidence in the airport’s cleanliness and hygiene standards,” he said.
“We cannot compromise on the safety and comfort of our travelers, especially our Filipino migrant workers and balikbayans,” Salo added.
He urged passengers to stay vigilant and report any instances of pest infestations or cleanliness concerns promptly.
Meanwhile, Salo welcomed the Department of Transportation’s announcement of San Miguel Corp.’s winning the P170.6-billion contract to operate, maintain and upgrade NAIA as an opportunity to enhance its facilities and operations.
“We trust that the envisioned NAIA upgrade will be undertaken soonest to finally and permanently address such concerns,” he noted.
