By Raymond Carl Dela Cruz
MANILA – Several government agencies on Wednesday signed an agreement to enhance passenger experience through streamlining airport processes at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).
The agreement was signed between the Department of Transportation (DOTr), the Bureau of Immigration (BI), and the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) following President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s order to ensure the comfort and convenience of passengers at NAIA.
Under the agreement, the DOTr will authorize the allocation and disbursement of the Immigration Service Charge (ISC) for the BI when additional immigration officers are designated to perform overtime duties not covered under the 2025 General Appropriations budget.
On the other hand, the BI will render 24/7 immigration services to support the MIAA in providing international standard airport accommodation and service whenever necessary.
It will also provide the MIAA with a certified number and list of BI officers and personnel at the NAIA Terminals 1 and 3 every month.
Meanwhile, the MIAA will make use of authorized collections to fund the ISC, either in the form of overtime or honoraria under the prescribed rates and guidelines in accordance with Civil Service Commission (CSC) rules, and other pertinent laws and regulations.
During the signing of the agreement, DOTr Senior Undersecretary Giovanni Lopez said BI personnel posted at NAIA play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and security of all passengers while facilitating efficient movement.
“Kasunduan natin (Our agreement) with MIAA General Manager [Eric Jose Castro Ines] and BI Commissioner [Joel Anthony Viado] will make sure that we deliver the President’s promise to our OFWs, passengers, and international tourists,” Lopez said. (PNA)
