PNoy: Sorry for NAIA aircon woes

MANILA, Philippines - President Benigno Aquino III on Wednesday apologized to the traveling public for the delay in the delivery of new air conditioning chillers at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1.

Speaking to reporters after inspecting NAIA and the Manila North Harbor this afternoon, Aquino said new chillers for the Terminal 1 air conditioning system were ordered in November 2013 but they will only be delivered this August.

"Humihingi tayo ng paumanhin at pasensya pero talagang sa higpit ng mga patakaran sa gobyerno... hindi naman pwedeng umorder ka ngayon at i-deliver within 30 days," Aquino said in his televised interview with media.

Aquino said he has yet to hear the feedback of concerned authorities as to why the delivery of the new chillers will take longer than four months, which he said is the usual government procurement period under the law.

On Wednesday, the Department of Transportation and Communications also apologized and explained that the temperature inside the NAIA Terminal 1 was affected by the ongoing rehabilitation works at the airport.

The Terminal 1 management from the Manila International Airport Authority also explained that certain air handling units had to be shut off to prevent dust and particles from being sucked into the air conditioning system to prevent endangering the entire system.

The President is inspecting the metro's bus terminals, air and sea ports this afternoon to ensure the safety of passengers heading to the provinces and vacation spots for the Lenten break.