Authorities in the Philippines have temporarily suspended new outbound travel guidelines for international-bound Filipinos amidst public backlash the measure was imposing on the rights of nationals to go overseas.
The new measures, issued by the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT), are supposedly aimed at fighting human trafficking, but the IACAT also says they “enhance screening procedures against untruthful declarations,” according to reports.
The now-suspended guidelines, which were meant to come into effect on September 3rd after being approved on August 23rd, required Filipino outbound travelers to not only produce their passport, boarding pass, visa and confirmed return or roundtrip ticket but also gave immigration further powers.
These include interviewing passengers about their reason for travel and requesting supporting documents including proof of financial capacity.
Numerous lawmakers dubbed the move unconstitutional.
