The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has expressed its support for a recent proposal by the government's transportation officials to modernize the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), saying it will improve immigration services and provide faster and more efficient processes for travelers.
*Ninoy Aquino International Airport (File photo)
* Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco said the bureau fully supports the joint proposal submitted by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) for the NAIA modernization project. The proposal aims to upgrade the airport's facilities through a public-private partnership scheme, with a private concessionaire investing in the project. Tansingco emphasized the necessity of expanding NAIA's facilities to address the long queues at immigration counters and expedite the processing of international passengers. He expressed hope that a modernized NAIA would include wider immigration areas and additional booths to accommodate the growing number of passengers. The BI chief noted that manpower shortages are no longer a concern due to the continuous hiring of new BI officers in recent years. He highlighted that the key requirement at NAIA is additional space and more immigration counters to eliminate the long queues. Tansingco acknowledged the timely nature of the proposed NAIA modernization project, particularly in light of the recent approval by the House of Representatives of a new Philippine immigration law that will replace the outdated 1940 immigration act. The immigration bill will now be discussed in the Senate, as it is one of the bills certified as urgent by Malacañang for Congress.