Malacañang on Tuesday clarified that the proposed P240 fee for travelers entering and leaving the country remains under study and has not been approved, amid public concern over possible additional costs for passengers.
Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro said the measure, proposed by the Bureau of Immigration (BI), is still in the evaluation stage and has not reached the level of presidential approval.
“Sa ngayon po, ito ay proposal pa lamang according to Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado. So wala pa po itong anumang desisyon. Huwag po munang mag-alala ang ating mga kababayan dahil mas nauna po silang mag-react, wala pa po ito,” Castro said.
The proposed charge is part of a plan to help fund the modernization of the country’s immigration system, which includes upgrading border control infrastructure and improving services for travelers.
Castro said the government recognizes the importance of strengthening border security and ensuring a more efficient system, but stressed that any related policy must undergo proper review and remain transparent and fair.
“Alam naman natin ang layunin nito—ang magkaroon ng mas ligtas at modernong border control system. Ngunit ito po ay nasa stage pa ng pag-aaral kaya wala pa pong stand ang Pangulo dito,” she said.
She also addressed concerns about imposing additional fees despite existing government funding for the Bureau of Immigration, saying the proposal is still subject to possible revision or rejection.
“Kaya nga po, huwag muna nating pangunahan. Inaaral pa po ito. Puwede pong baguhin, puwedeng hindi ipatupad, puwedeng hindi matuloy. Kaya huwag muna tayong maalarma. It is just a proposal,” Castro added.
The Bureau of Immigration separately confirmed that the proposed fee linked to its border modernization initiative is still under review and has not been approved for implementation.
Photo courtesy of The Mercury Ville
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