NAIA to deploy more immigration officers to ease queues

 

By Dexter Barro II

Published Jun 12, 2025 12:19 am

Government agencies overseeing Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) have agreed to enhance the passenger experience, including the deployment of immigration personnel during peak hours at the country’s main gateway.

On Wednesday, June 11, the Department of Transportation (DOTr), the Bureau of Immigration (BI), and the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) signed a memorandum of agreement to help ease the queues at the airport's immigration counters.

DOTr Undersecretary Giovanni Lopez said the agency has observed long queues in immigration processing, particularly during early morning hours, due to limited personnel staffing the counters.

The lack of personnel, he said, is driven by the budget constraints of the BI.

“Sa pamamagitan po ng MOA na ‘to, matitiyak natin na pagdating sa peak hours, may mga tatao na po sa ating mga immigration,” said Lopez in a media briefing.

(Through this MOA, we can ensure that during peak hours, there will be personnel stationed at our immigration counters.)

“Pangalawa po, umaasa tayo na matitiyak natin na itong mga tao na nagbibigay serbisyo ay mabibigayan ng karampatang suweldo in the form of overtime pay or honoraria,” he added.

(Secondly, we hope to ensure that these personnel will receive appropriate compensation in the form of overtime pay or honoraria.)

Under the agreement, the DOTr will authorize the allocation and disbursement of the Immigration Service Charge (ISC) for the BI.

This will kick in once additional immigration officers are designated to perform overtime duties not covered under this year’s national budget.

MIAA, the regulator of NAIA, will allocate a portion of its authorized collections to fund the ISC, either in the form of overtime or honoraria.

MIAA General Manager Eric Jose Ines said an estimated ₱5 million per month will be allocated for this undertaking.

However, he told reporters that a technical working group will still review this to determine the actual amount needed.

BI, meanwhile, will provide 24/7 immigration services with a commitment to offering international-standard airport accommodations and services whenever necessary.

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said the agency will provide MIAA a certified list of immigration officers and personnel at the NAIA Terminals 1 and 3 monthly.

Currently, there are 180 immigration officers in NAIA. Additional funding would enable the agency to hire 50 more personnel.

With the planned introduction of electronic gates within the year to modernize the immigration process and address congestion, Viado said his personnel will also undergo upskilling.

The official said there will be mental and physical training, as well as initiating “modern” methods to conduct interviews for the immigration process.

DA: Imported onions test positive for salmonella, heavy metals

By Dexter Barro II

Published May 10, 2025 14:40 pm | Updated May 10, 2025 18:12 pm

Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel is warning consumers against buying imported white onions, following the recent seizure of smuggled onions that tested positive for salmonella and heavy metals.

"If possible, please don’t buy imported onions because they may be contaminated with salmonella. These contaminated onions are not fit for human consumption,” said Laurel in a statement.

Laurel said the DA has not authorized the recent importation of foreign-sourced white onions, which are typically larger than locally grown varieties.

In fact, the DA's Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) has not issued sanitary and phytosanitary import clearance (SPSIC) for onions since February.

On Friday, May 9, Laurel led the inspection of two container vans carrying 34 metric tons of smuggled white onions from China in Mexico, Pampanga.

Tests conducted by the BPI’s Plant Products Safety Services Division (PPSSD) and the National Plant Quarantine Services Division (NPQSD) showed that the produce was positive for heavy metals and salmonella.

Heavy metal poisoning has been attributed to cancer and damage to major body organs, while salmonella bacteria could cause food poisoning and various infections.

The shipments—misdeclared as processed chicken karaage strips—were allegedly consigned to Manila-based Leksei B. Specialized Goods Trading, arriving at Subic Port on April 20 aboard the SITC Hochiminh. 

The two containers were then transported to a warehouse in Mexico town, where it was seized by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) on April 26.

BPI said the agency accredits neither the importer nor the warehouse. 

One container held 1,800 red mesh bags of white onions, while the other contained 1,600 bags, each weighing 9 kilos—bringing the total to around 34,200 kilos.

In total, the smuggled onions had a market value of approximately ₱4.1 million.

Initial investigation by the CIDG suggests that the shipments were planned to be distributed to Divisoria and parts of Nueva Ecija. 

Laurel has since requested the CIDG to investigate the “recurring preference” of smugglers to utilize Subic Port for such illegal activities.

“Preventing the entry of misdeclared agricultural goods is crucial not only to ensure food safety but also to stop the potential spread of plant diseases and pests,” he added.

Laurel is urging the public to report any sightings of unauthorized white onions in markets as a measure to safeguard public health.