PNoy notices ship’s blocked emergency exit during Undas inspection

A ship's blocked emergency exit did not escape President Benigno Aquino's meticulous eyes when he inspected major terminals in Metro Manila in time for the influx of passengers going to provinces for All Saints' Day.

 

In an interview after Aquino's inspection, Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said the President ordered the clearing of baggage placed near the emergency exit of the Palawan-bound MV Leo the Great, which was docked at the Manila North Harbour port.

 

"Nakita niya na may area kung saan nakalagak 'yung luggage leading to the emergency exit. Pina-clear niya iyon," Coloma told reporters at a bus terminal in Pasay, which Aquino also inspected.

 

The Palace official said the President was nevertheless satisfied with the security and safety preparations for the Undas weekend.

 

"Natuwa naman siya dahil kitang-kita ang kahandaan at tiniyak ang kaligtasan ng ating mga mamamayan," Coloma said.

 

Aquino appeared to be in a jovial mood throughout his inspection of the Manila port, the Ninoy Aquino International Airport and bus terminals in Pasay City on Friday afternoon.

 

He even took some time to eat arroz caldo (rice porridge with chicken) and cassava cake at a kiosk inside the airport.

 

The President, wearing a casual yellow and black polo shirt, was also seen giving away some of his signature yellow wristbands to passengers during his inspection.

 

Aquino also gamely posed for pictures with passengers when he inspected a Laguna-bound JAC Liner bus in Pasay City. 

 

Traffic along Taft and Buendia Avenues was however stalled for some 20 minutes due to Aquino's inspection of the bus terminals. — Andreo Calonzo/RSJ, GMA News