More airports to get biometric e-gates

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) is preparing to expand e-gate operations to other airports outside Metro Manila. 

BI Deputy Spokesperson Melvin Mabulac said in a Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon interview,  the expansion is part of the continuing modernization aimed at improving passenger experience.

According to Mabulac, new e-gates installed at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 have reduced immigration processing to around five to 15 seconds from 45 seconds. 

He further added that feedback on the e-gates have been positive, with many passengers already using the system. 

“For now, only Filipinos use it, but in the pipeline, once this is already fixed, it will expand to include foreign nationals, and it will also include departures,” Mabulac added.

A total of 78 e-gates have been installed at NAIA Terminals 1 and 3.

The e-gates work by using passports and facial recognition for automated immigration clearance allowing Filipino passport holders to scan their passport, look at a camera for facial verification, and then proceed through the gate. 

Apart from airport operations, Mabulac said the BI continues to strengthen surveillance against transnational crimes such as human trafficking, fraud, and overstaying.