Kapuso actress Bianca Umali took to social media to call for compassion and immediate action from airport authorities after witnessing passengers sitting on the floor at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3, which is currently under renovation.
In a video posted on her Instagram Story, Bianca showed the crowded terminal where many travelers — including elderly passengers, mothers, and children — were forced to sit on the floor while waiting for their flights.
“With all due respect po, we understand that our airports are currently under construction — as you’ve said, ‘we are building a better NAIA for you,’” Bianca wrote.
“Dahil dito, naiintindihan po namin na maraming kagamitan at upuan ang pansamantalang inalis upang magbigay-daan sa mas maayos na konstruksyon.”
Despite understanding the renovation efforts, the actress appealed for temporary seating to ease the discomfort of travelers.
“Ngunit nakikiusap lang po kung maaari po sana ay makapaglagay man lang ng mga temporary chairs o kahit simpleng upuan para sa mga pasahero — lalo na po para sa ating mga nanay, lola, at mga batang kababayan na bumabyahe,” she added.
“Para naman po sana, kahit sa gitna ng pagbabago, ay hindi na po nila kailangang umupo sa sahig habang naghihintay.”
Bianca’s post quickly drew attention online, with many netizens echoing her sentiments and praising her for using her platform to advocate for basic passenger comfort.
The ongoing renovation of NAIA Terminal 3 is part of a larger privatization and modernization project aimed at improving passenger experience. The upgrades reportedly include better air-conditioning, additional boarding bridges, more comfortable seating areas, and new amenities such as an OFW lounge.
While many support the airport’s modernization efforts, Bianca’s post highlighted the importance of maintaining basic comfort and accessibility for travelers — especially during the transition period.
“Maraming salamat po sa inyong pag-unawa at malasakit,” she concluded in her post.
