Bed bug-infested rattan chairs at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminals 2 and 3 have been removed following passengers’ complaints of being bitten posted on social media. Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) general manager Eric Ines issued a directive to conduct comprehensive facility inspections and enhanced sanitation measures after two departing domestic passengers said they were bitten by bed bugs last Jan. 23. The seats have been removed and disinfection schedules will continue. The rattan chairs were part of a beautification project of NAIA terminals during Cesar Chiong’s term as MIAA chief, as requested by Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco.
“There is an increasing infestation problem. That’s an issue in other countries as well. In France, train stations and some hotel rooms are affected,” said Sen. Grace Poe, chair of the Senate committee on public services. “Cleaning and disinfecting should be a standard operating procedure, not just during virus outbreak or infestation,” she added.
Meanwhile, local carriers are anticipating many Filipinos and tourists booking their flights to tourist destinations as the summer season is set to begin on March 1 until May 31. More than 700,000 guests have already booked their flights for travel between March and May for domestic and international destinations, according to local carriers. This figure is expected to significantly increase as summer approaches. Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific Air, and AirAsia Philippines said Filipinos and foreigners who filed their vacation leaves are starting to arrive.
