Julia Christine Botin

Cheaper than hotels? American chooses to stay at NAIA for weeks

Article (news)

Jekki Pascual

ABS-CBN News

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1740129937117New Project (30).jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/>Philippine officials speak with an American who has been staying at NAIA Terminal 3 for weeks. Contributed photo via Raoul Esperas </div>MANILA (UPDATED) — A 76-year old US citizen has been staying at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 for several weeks now, just living on food dole outs.The man from Texas refused to be interviewed on camera, but told ABS-CBN News that he prefers to stay at the airport because hotels are expensive. He said that he initially stayed at a hotel across the airport but only for a few days. He decided to stay at the airport after.Based on initial information, the man arrived in Manila from Bangkok via Thai Airways last January 31.<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/world/2025/1/6/thailand-tourism-bounces-back-with-35-million-visitors-in-2024-1910">Thailand tourism bounces back, with 35 million visitors in 2024</a></div>He didn’t disclose the purpose for the visit. He only said that he was supposed to travel to a province but his plans did not push through.During this stay, he allegedly slept on benches and even on the pavement. He received food from airport staff and even some passengers who would offer him meals.He mentioned that someone stole his cash and his watch, but that he still has some money.One of the airport staff said the man was always quiet and did not really bother other passengers.However there was a time he reportedly defecated with his pants on, which prompted the authorities to intervene, according to sources. He was immediately assisted to bathe and was sent to be seen by a medical professional. The US citizen said he is now waiting for this flight out of Manila bound for Bangkok next week. <div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/business/2025/1/2/naia-sees-record-passengers-in-2024-1350">NAIA sees record passengers in 2024</a></div>Manila International Airport Authority General Manager Eric Ines said he has ordered the airport police to inform the US Embassy of this case.The Bureau of Immigration ,meanwhile, said the case is not yet under its jurisdiction unless the man has overstayed his visa.  — with reports from Raoul Esperas

'THE TERMINAL' BUT IN REAL LIFE? A 76-year old American has been staying at the NAIA Terminal 3 for several weeks now, living on food dole outs.

'THE TERMINAL' BUT IN REAL LIFE? A 76-year old American has been staying at the NAIA Terminal 3 for several weeks now, living on food dole outs.