MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Transportation of Communications on Thursday said the rehabilitation of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport- Terminal 1 will begin in December this year.
In a radio interview, DOTC Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya said the delay on its rehabilitation was caused by a "structural issue."
"Well, 'yung construction on the ground hopefully mangyari ito December of this year. So isa't kalahating buwan ang hintayin ho natin maumpisahan na ho 'yan.
"Naging real issue ho dyan ay mga structural issue na nakita so nais lang namin na ma-double check 'yung performance based design para ma-address 'yung structural issue. Nung natapos po yan at nakita ng eksperto na dinisensyo doon lang ho talaga tayo nakausod," Abaya said.
Related: Airport exec doubts credibility of 'worst airport' survey
Abaya's reaction came following the results of poll conducted by travel website Sleeping in Airports, tagging NAIA 1 as the world's worst airport.
The travel website named NAIA 1 as the world's worst airport in 2011 and the worst in Asia in 2012.
The website's list of best and worst airports in the world is based on the votes of travelers who were asked to consider comfort, conveniences, cleanliness and customer service.
Some of the factors for the "worst airport" tag are crowded terminals, long delays, difficult transfers, lack of 24-hour food, dirty floors, bathrooms and food courts; unfriendly staff and airport scams, among others.