Immigration counters (File photo of Bureau of Immigration) 

MANILA – The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Thursday postponed the implementation of revised travel guidelines for departing Filipinos amid concerns raised by legislators.

In a statement, BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco said it ordered all immigration port personnel to defer its supposed implementation on Sept. 3 following the pronouncement of the Department of Justice (DOJ) Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT).

“We respect the resolution of the Senate to suspend the implementation of the guidelines, and are working with other members of the inter-agency to be able to address any concern or clarification that the public might have,” he said.

However, Tansingco reiterated that under the revised guidelines on departure formalities, no additional requirements are demanded for regular departing tourists.

“The same guidelines have been in effect since 2012, and revised in 2015, and the same metrics are being used by our immigration officers until present,” he added.

The BI cited usual requirements including passport, confirmed round-trip ticket, boarding pass, e-travel and visa if necessary in the country of destination.

“This does not curtail the right to travel, as the IACAT, through the BI, only ensures that departing Filipinos are properly documented based on their actual purpose of travel,” Tansingco said.

Meanwhile, Tansingco said only those with flagged documents and purpose of travel statements shall be required with additional requirements under the secondary inspection.

Travelers may also be interviewed and requested proof of financial capacity or local employment to ensure they will not be victims of human trafficking.

The DOJ earlier said the revised travel guidelines aim to strike a balance between national security and facilitation of smooth and efficient travel. (PNA)