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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider PH-based research firm supports deferment of new guidelines on departure formalities for travel abroad

PH-based research firm supports deferment of new guidelines on departure formalities for travel abroad

Published Sep 4, 2023 07:58 am

A Philippine-based research firm hailed the decision of the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT), led by the Department of Justice (DOJ), to suspend the implementation of the 2023 Revised Guidelines on Departure Formalities for Internationally-Bound Filipino Travelers.

“We commend the justice department for suspending the implementation of what it called to be ‘stricter’ policies to eradicate human trafficking among our countrymen,” said the statement issued on Monday, Sept. 4, by lawyer Nick Conti, chief of public affairs of Capstone-Intel.

Capstone-Intel describes itself as “a high-impact research company that uses innovative research technologies, tools, and methods to convert data and information into breakthrough insights and actionable intelligence outputs."

It said it is "committed to helping its clients solve problems, find solutions, grow markets and constituencies, build reputations, navigate risks, manage crises, and be the country’s leading private research and intelligence agency.”

“While we believe the intention of the IACAT is good, it is imperative that they listen rigorously to the other implications of the policies for the Filipino public,” Conti said.

The lawyer reminded that Filipinos should not be hindered from exercising their right to travel under the Constitution.

“As stipulated in Article III, Section 6 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, it guarantees every Filipino’s liberty to travel, and it should not be curtailed by anyone regardless of their power unless national security, public safety, and health are at stake,” he said.

He pointed out that "what the government needs are laws that stabilize the arrest of recruiters who exploit our people and make sure that the workers here have adequate protection so that the majority of the Filipinos won’t be affected by this and allow them to enjoy their right to leave the country without experiencing difficulty in presenting documents that are not that important for the purpose of their travel.”

He said his research firm supports the objective of the revised guidelines which is to “streamline the departure procedures.”

“Aside from paperless transactions, it also accelerates our personnel’s activity, which would allow them to serve more travelers,” he also said.

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