PNoy inspects NAIA-1 ladies' CR

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) - President Benigno Aquino made a surprise inspection of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 on Thursday, shortly after his arrival from Bacolod before 6 p.m.

The President inspected the main arrival lobby of the NAIA Terminal 1 and suddenly proceeded to the ladies' comfort room.

President Aquino first asked the duty janitress if there is someone using the female rest room, and after learning that there was none, the President went inside the female comfort room.

Dante Basanta, NAIA terminal 1 manager, explained to the President the present condition of the 30-year-old airport and the major renovation being undertaken at the terminal.

Basanta also showed the President the newly-renovated flooring at the arrival area and sleeping lounge open for rent for incoming and outgoing passengers.

The President was also briefed by Transportation and Communications Secretary Mar Roxas on the planned P1-billion face lift of the entire NAIA Terminal 1 complex.

Basanta added that the whole arrival area will be expanded, and a multi-level parking will be built to accommodate the growing number of visitors and passengers.

Aquino lauded the airport authority on its planned renovation despite the criticism that the international gateway has been receiving from foreigners.

The NAIA was tagged the 5th most hated airport by CNN's Jordane Rane.

It was also rated the world's worst airport by The Guide to Sleeping in Airports website.

The President's surprise inspection lasted for about 30 minutes.

Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said the President wanted to see for himself the ongoing improvement work at the NAIA Terminal 1.

"Remember, I told you earlier that Secretary Mar Roxas briefed the President last Tuesday about the improvements at NAIA 1and the President wants to see for himself these improvements. The President approved in general the (structural) plans at NAIA-1 that Secretary Mar presented," he said.

"Gusto lang niya talagang makita ang mga improvements sa NAIA-1, the repairs going on... this was an opprtune time for him to visit and make the inspection," Lacierda added. "It was a spontaneous visit according to Secretary Mar."

He said Aquino was satisfied with ongoing improvement of the airport facility.