The heat is on at the NAIA. Sweltering heat and a non-functioning air-conditioning system plague departing passengers at the NAIA Terminal 1 on Tuesday, April 15, causing at least one case of fainting. Ariel Fernandez
President Benigno Aquino III on Wednesday apologized for the air conditioning problem at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1, blaming the matter on the government’s procurement system.
“Humihingi tayo ng paumanhin at pasensiya pero talagang sa higpit ng mga patakaran sa gobyerno… hindi ka naman puwedeng umorder ngayon at deliver within 30 days,” Aquino said during an interview with reporters at the North Port Passenger Terminal Complex in Manila.
He explained that the contract to supply new air conditioners for the 30-year-old Terminal 1 was awarded in November last year but the air conditioners will only be delivered in August this year.
“Ngayon pinapatanong ko bakit ganoon katagal? Alam ninyo sa gobyerno, pag meron kang gustong bilin, normally apat na buwan mula sa inorder mo hanggang mai-deliver pero inaabot ng siyam na buwan,” he said.
“Custom-made ba itong mga aircon na ito, hindi off-the-shelf? Hinihintay ko iyong feedback noong umabot nga sa atin iyong problema doon sa T1,” he added. — RSJ, GMA News
