Senators rejoice as DOJ suspends implementation of new travel rules

Senators and Pinoy netizens are celebrating the news that the Department of Justice (DOJ) postponed the implementation of its own proposal of additional requirements for outbound travelers.

DOJ and the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) decided to push back their plan to require additional travel documents from Filipinos looking to fly abroad which was supposed to take effect on Friday, September 1, 2023 upon the nudge of lawmakers.

Many solons found it “unreasonable” and too sudden, as it would put an additional burden on Filipinos against their right to travel freely.

“The DOJ’s suspension of the implementation of the new travel guidelines is a welcome move,” Senator Grace Poe said. “It averted what could have been a chaotic situation at our airports with the possible flight misses and boarding delays due to the cumbersome requirements.”

Senator Joel Villanueva also thanked the DOJ for listening to their call, saying that the rules are “unreasonable, prone to abuse, and misplaced.”

Pinoy netizens are rejoicing as well.