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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider IACAT declares official suspension of implementation of revised guidelines on departure formalities for travel abroad

IACAT declares official suspension of implementation of revised guidelines on departure formalities for travel abroad

Published Sep 2, 2023 12:10 pm

The Inter-Agency Council Against Human Trafficking (IACAT) declared official on Saturday night, Sept. 2, the suspension of the implementation starting Sunday, Sept. 3, of the revised guidelines on departure formalities for Filipinos travelling abroad.

In a press statement, the Department of Justice (DOJ), the lead agency of IACAT, said the suspension of the 2023 Revised Guidelines on Departure Formalities for International-Bound Filipino Travelers was declared official after a special council meeting.

The DOJ said “the primary agenda of this special meeting was to deliberate on and approve a resolution suspending the implementation of the 2023 Revised Guidelines.”

DOJ Assistant Secretary and Spokesperson Jose Dominic F. Clavano IV said that IACAT told the Senate, which requested the suspension, the council “will be open to amendments, if deemed necessary.”

The DOJ statement also said:

“After careful deliberation, the IACAT Council approved the Resolution, formally suspending the implementation of the 2023 Revised Guidelines.

“It was further resolved that the IACAT shall revisit the 2023 Guidelines and shall further strengthen its information and education campaign to convey to the public the essential purpose and grave concerns that the 2023 Guidelines seek to address.

“The decision to suspend the implementation of the 2023 Revised Guidelines is the Council's response to concerns raised by the public and underscores its dedication not only to protect our citizens against trafficking but to clearly inform them of the protective mechanisms in place and how they work.

“During the open forum that preceded the Resolution's approval, all member agencies present expressed their shared and continued commitment to the fight against human trafficking and underscored that the Guidelines were intended to be a tool to enhance screening procedures against untruthful declarations, thus protecting Filipino nationals from becoming victims of this heinous crime.

“Likewise, they recognized the importance of striking a balance between safeguarding the individual’s right to travel and ensuring national security.

“The Council remains committed to working collaboratively with all relevant stakeholders, including the legislature, other government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and international partners, to ensure a comprehensive and effective approach to combatting human trafficking in all its forms.”

The adoption of the revised guidelines was severely criticized by several sectors which claimed that the guidelines violate a person’s right to travel.
 

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