Lawmakers urge IACAT to scrap new travel regulations
Lawmakers on Friday pressed the Interagency Anti-Trafficking Council (IACAT) to scrap the new departure guidelines and sit down with migrant worker groups to create a policy that “prioritises protections” rights of individuals and addressing the root causes of trafficking”.While lawmakers welcomed the Department of Justice (DOJ) delaying the travel regulations from taking effect, they said Iacat should not delay its enforcement.
The chairman of the House Constitutional Amendment Committee, Representative Rufus Rodriguez, called on Attorney General Jesus Crispin Remulla to “abandon stricter travel regulations, rather than simply delay their implementation”.”I am certain that Minister Remulla, who is a good attorney, knows what the additional travel and privacy regulations mean,” he said in a statement.
The deputy representative of the minority in parliament, France Castro, from the Makabayan bloc, agreed and called on IAcat to “reconsider the proposed travel guidelines and engage in a genuine dialogue with stakeholders.
mandarin”.Castro said there was a need for a “comprehensive assessment, prioritizing protecting the rights of individuals and addressing the root causes of human trafficking”.“We cannot afford to implement policies that could inadvertently harm our fellow Filipinos.
Let’s work together to develop effective, rights-based measures to stop human trafficking,” Castro said.
Thorough review
She suggested that Iacat include stakeholders such as migrant worker and tourist rights groups in an in-depth review of the departure principles.
This will “ensure that the guidelines are fair, reasonable, and protect the rights of individuals,” she said.
“We must prioritize the protection and welfare of Filipino compatriots, especially those who work abroad to support their families.
Any policy or directive that infringes on their rights and freedoms is unacceptable,” Castro added.
Rodriguez and Castro made the comments after the DOJ suspended implementation of the departure guidelines “in recognition of the importance of transparency and public consultation”. Last week, Iacat was criticized for stricter travel regulations, which Rodriguez said violates a person’s right to travel and their right to privacy.
The departure guide states that the Immigration Department may request additional supporting documents from Filipino travelers, such as proof of accommodation, proof of financial ability or employment, proof of relationship with the trip sponsor and proof of employment of the sponsor, etc.
IACAT’s ‘stricter’ travel guide suspended
MANILA, Philippines – Following objections from elected officials and the public, the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking in Persons has temporarily suspended implementation of the revised customs clearance guidelines.
In a press release on Thursday, the Justice Department, where IACAT reported, said the revised regulations are not intended to “burden the public” and are only intended to “improve the overall experience of passengers on departure”.The revised IACAT rules have sparked a backlash for imposing stricter travel requirements on Filipinos and could expose them to longer questions from immigration officials and agents.other airport staff.
DOJ Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla said he “sees the need to thoroughly clarify the issues surrounding the revised guidelines for senators and the public.
“The main goal of the revised guidelines is to streamline departure procedures, ensuring a more efficient and safer process for all individuals traveling abroad,” the DOJ statement said.
This comes after the Senate on Wednesday passed two resolutions calling for the suspension of the revised guidelines, which were previously scheduled to take effect on September 3.
In either Senate resolution, Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri was authorized to submit a petition to the Supreme Court to impose a temporary injunction on the imposition of new travel regulations, if necessary.
Zubiri said the new IACAT regulations, aimed at preventing more victims of trafficking, have hindered Filipinos’ right to travel.
The Senate president also invoked the Constitution, which he said protects Filipinos’ right to travel and is “not recommended” but “mandatory”.”Deep down, I really feel this is unconstitutional,” he said in his privileged speech.
The DOJ statement said the department remained “committed to upholding the rights and welfare of all individuals, including the right to freedom of movement”.”We assure the public that the revised guidelines aim to strike a balance between national security and facilitating smooth and efficient travel,” the DOJ said.
“We take this opportunity to remind everyone that the suspension of the revised customs clearance guidelines does not affect existing laws and regulations regarding immigration and travel procedures.
All existing rules and guidelines remain in effect until further notice,” he added.
READ-What you need to know about the new requirements for Filipinos traveling overseas
BASIC TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
Passport, valid for at least six (6) months from the date of departure;
b. Appropriate valid visas, whenever required; compared to the boarding pass; and D Confirmed round-trip or round-trip ticket, if required2
