FILE

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has clarified that reports about a new fee for travelers are premature, stressing that the proposed border modernization project remains under review and has not yet been approved.

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado issued the clarification after reports circulated claiming that the agency would soon collect a P480 charge from passengers. According to Viado, the proposal has not been finalized and is still undergoing evaluation.
“The reports were based on a proposal that has not yet received the final approvals,” stated Viado.

The commissioner explained that he has ordered a comprehensive review and consultation process regarding the proposed user fee component of the Civil Aviation and Immigration Security Services (CAISS) Project, which originally proposed a $4 user fee or around P247.

While expressing support for efforts to modernize the country’s border management systems, Viado emphasized that any additional cost to travelers must first be carefully assessed.

“We recognize the importance of modernizing our border management infrastructure to better combat transnational crimes, human trafficking, terrorism, and other emerging security threats,” Viado said.

“At the same time, we understand the sentiments of our kababayan, especially during challenging economic times. Any proposal that may affect travelers financially must undergo proper review, consultation, and clear public communication,” he added.

The CAISS project is a proposed public-private partnership initiative aimed at upgrading immigration operations through advanced biometric technologies, automated border control systems, real-time risk assessment, and improved data integration.

Viado underscored the need to balance security improvements with the concerns of the public.

“Hindi natin dapat biglain ang publiko sa mga panukalang may dagdag na epekto sa kanilang gastusin. Mahalaga ang seguridad ng ating borders, pero mahalaga ring maramdaman ng taumbayan na pinapakinggan at isinasaalang-alang ang kanilang kalagayan,” Viado said.

According to the BI chief, the review process will examine whether the proposed fee is necessary and reasonable, assess its benefits to travelers, gather feedback from stakeholders in the aviation, tourism, and transport sectors, and ensure that privacy, cybersecurity, transparency, and accountability measures are in place.

“Layunin nating magkaroon ng mas ligtas at mas modernong border control system, ngunit dapat itong maisakatuparan sa paraang malinaw, makatarungan, at may tiwala ang publiko. Tiyakin muna nating lubusang napag-aralan at maipaliwanag ito nang maayos sa ating mga kababayan,” Viado said.

The Bureau of Immigration said it will continue studying the proposal alongside other government agencies and stakeholders to ensure that any future implementation will deliver maximum benefits to the public while addressing concerns from travelers.