Manila: The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Tuesday clarified that the Civil Aviation and Immigration Security Services (CAISS) project is still a proposal and has not yet been signed or finalized. Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado issued the statement amid reports suggesting that the agency would start collecting a PHP480 fee from travelers.

According to Philippines News Agency, Viado emphasized that the reports were based on a proposal that has not yet received the final approvals. He ordered a comprehensive review and stakeholder consultation process regarding the project's proposed user fee component-a USD4 user fee or around PHP247.

The review will focus on whether the proposed user fee is necessary, reasonable, and justified by tangible benefits to travelers. "Our goal is to have a safer and more modern border control system, but it must be implemented in a way that is transparent, fair, and has public trust," Viado stated.

Viado further mentioned that the implementation of any additional passenger charge must be carefully studied in consideration of its impact on the traveling public. "Any proposal that may affect travelers financially must undergo proper review, consultation, and clear public communication," he added.

The project remains a proposed public-private partnership initiative intended to enhance immigration operations through advanced biometric systems, real-time risk assessment, data integration, and automated border control technologies.