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.
