Duterte wants restaurants removed from NAIA

MANILA, Philippines  — President Duterte has ordered the Department of Transportation to remove the restaurants at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) to put more seats for passengers.

Duterte said he read from newspapers that most of the passengers waiting for their flights had slept outside airport buildings. The airport police, the President added, should assist passengers who just came from provinces and provide them seats.

Duterte went on to criticize the design of NAIA, saying there are not enough seats for passengers.

“I’d like to call the attention of (Transportation) Secretary (Arthur) Tugade.

Art, alam mo ‘yang sa - ‘yang airport na ‘yan, kung sinong nag-design niyan g***.  Sabihin mo sa kanya. Walang upuan. Iilan lang ang upuan (You know, whoever designed that airport is stupid. Tell that to him. There are not enough seats),” Duterte said during a televised address on Tuesday night.

Duterte said while some passengers are forced to stand while waiting for their flights, only a few people can use the seats and tables inside the restaurants.

“Art, put seats in those areas. Terminate the contracts of the restaurants,  terminate them because I need them to seat the passengers waiting,” he said.

Duterte said his directive covers “the whole of NAIA (Terminal) 2.” He said other passengers waiting for their flights can stay in NAIA Terminal 1, noting that not so many people use the facility.

In the same address, the President reminded the Department of the Interior and Local Government to help passengers stranded at NAIA and to provide them accommodation.

“I will pay, you just bill me, even the food. Just look for an eatery otherwise the budget (department) might complain. Do not eat expensive food this time. We are in a crisis and let us keep our senses close to the ground,” Duterte said.

Stranded persons are provided temporary shelter inside the Villamor Air Base and an Air Force facility in Pasay.