Manila: Regulator Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) will augment the Bureau of Immigration's (BI) fund to help address the long queues at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) immigration counters. The MIAA, BI, and the Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Wednesday signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) seeking to enhance the passenger experience, including boosting security and passenger handling at the NAIA.

According to Philippines News Agency, the long immigration queues, especially during peak hours, have been a major concern for travelers. DOTr Undersecretary Giovanni Lopez highlighted that one of the primary reasons for these delays is the lack of Immigration personnel. Acknowledging the budget constraint, Lopez mentioned that Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon has reached out to MIAA General Manager Eric Ines, seeking BI funding augmentation in a legal manner.

The funding from MIAA is intended to ensure that there are adequate personnel at immigration counters during peak hours and that they receive their overtime honoraria. Initially, the MOA specifies that the MIAA would provide approximately PHP5 million in funding monthly. However, Ines noted that the exact amount cannot yet be confirmed as it requires further study.

A technical working group (TWG) will be formed to determine the actual amount needed. This group will consist of BI, MIAA, and DOTr representatives, including legal, finance, and potentially HR officers. They will work on the details following government procedures in accounting and auditing, Ines explained to the Philippine News Agency.