Following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s order to streamline airport processes and ensure the comfort and convenience of passengers at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), the Department of Transportation (DOTr) last week (June 11) signed an agreement with the Bureau of Immigration (BI) and the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) to enhance passenger experience at the country’s main gateway.
Under the deal, 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.
For its part, the BI will render 24/7 immigration services to support MIAA in complying with its mandate to provide international standard airport accommodation and service whenever necessary. It will also provide the MIAA a certified number and list of BI officers and personnel at the NAIA Terminals 1 and 3 monthly.
On the other hand, MIAA will undertake the allocated portion of the airport regulator’s 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 regulations, and other pertinent laws.
In a news release, Transportation Senior Undersecretary Giovanni Lopez said that BI personnel posted at the country’s main gateway play a crucial role in making sure that all passengers—overseas Filipino workers, local travelers, and foreign tourists—are safe and secure, their movement through the airport smooth and efficient.
“Nais ng Pangulo na mabilis, komportable at ligtas ang ating mga pasahero. Itong kasunduan natin with MIAA GM [general manager Eric] Ines and BI kasama si Commissioner [Joel] Viado will make sure that we deliver the President’s promise to our OFWs, passengers and international tourists,” Lopez said during the signing of the agreement.
