Netizens are wary of the stricter guidelines released by the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) for Filipinos traveling overseas, saying they could be abused by immigration officers.
Under the guidelines, Filipinos leaving the country might be asked to present to the immigration officer documents proving their capacity to pay for self-funded trips abroad. Those with relatives overseas might be asked to present their birth or marriage certificates to prove the relationship.
Some netizens fear that immigration officers might use the requirements to hold departing passengers or extort money from them.
May nilapag na bang guidelines magkano need na laman ng savings para makapag travel?
O depende lang sa mood at trip ng IO?
— obsessed abbi 💗🌾🇵🇭 (@ToniSpeakEasy) August 25, 2023
Yes, depende sa trip ng IO. Hinanapan talaga kami ng “cash” ng IO para lang mapakita na may pocket money kami at kaya namin mag SG. Kaya after that trip, humihingi na kami ng cert of employment with annual income indicated.
— Cikgu_Master (@morse_st_border) August 25, 2023
Some people pointed out that it’s much more convenient to use their credit cards abroad rather than carry cash. Others cited the Deposit Secrecy Law, saying what Immigration officials want are beyond their authority.
Excused ba ang BI sa Bank Secrecy Law? Can they actually demand that they be shown bank statements? Sabi that the requirement will be for non-visa countries. So … exit visa nga? Pwede bang online na lang or asikasuhin several days before travel to make sure na umabot sa flight?
— 🪙CryptoKarenSy🪙 (@CtnCndValentine) August 25, 2023
Saklap 'yung approved ang visa tapos dahil masama gising ng IO, offload ka 🥱 @realbeauty12345 https://t.co/6WqKyweUou
— mi.yu | missing ssj 🍒 (@yuqicut) August 25, 2023
Pag di ka mukhang mayaman pahihirapan ka ganern. Kaya dapat outfit pak and confidence. Para di mapaghalataan. Mag English pa para sosyal talaga. Ayan ang sabi nila. https://t.co/PaqSIMnl4K
— ʚ ♡ ɞ (@BEllicosiTY_) August 25, 2023
Depende sa gising…malas na lang pag kamukha mo ung nakapag bad trip sa IO before… https://t.co/FwG69qK5hV
— Ben Tobias (@BenTobias19) August 25, 2023
