Senator Francis Tolentino on Saturday sought the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) to streamline the criteria and process for Filipino tourists passing through airport immigration desks.
Tolentino told IACAT Asec. for Policy and Communication, Atty. Jose Domic Clavano IV, that a “simplified information campaign” must be conducted to avoid airport mishaps that continue to burden Filipinos.
“Kailangan dito ay ma-simplify na ‘ito lang ang kailangan ninyo,’ kasi bago ka pa makapasok ng airport, katakot-takot na checkup.” Sen. Tol said.
Senator Tolentino also brought up the ongoing issue of Filipino travelers being deported due to concerns with document requirements sought by immigration authorities at airports.
“Alam naman natin na kapag maraming ‘di nakabiyahe, gastos ulit. Pinag-ipunan—’yong iba sinangla ang lupa para makabiyahe at inaasahan ng kanilang mga kamag-anak na kikita para matustusan ang pag-aaral ng mga anak. Ito ang mga uri ng problema na nanganganak-nganak,” the Senator said.
While Clavano noted that the 2023 flight requirements and processes have remained unchanged since 2015, Senator Tolentino emphasized the importance of maintaining a “synchronized” approach for the efficient travel of Filipinos.
