Got an international flight scheduled soon? Be at the airport early.
Philippine Airlines on Tuesday advised travelers with international flights to be at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) at least four to five hours before the scheduled departure.
There has been insufficient staffing at the airport’s pasport control since immigration officers have gone on mass leave because they have not been receiving their overtime pay.
Read: Long lines irk travelers in NAIA, 19 immigrations on leave
According to Rappler, “the salary dispute stems from President Rodrigo Duterte’s decision to veto the provision in the national budget which allowed the use of express lane charges to augment the salaries of BI (Bureau of Immigration) personnel.”
Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II said that more than 30 immigration personnel have resigned and about 50 others are on leave, ABS-CBN News reports.
The problem may extend until the Holy Week, which is one of the busiest time for traveling.
Manila International Aviation Authority (MIAA) General Manager Ed Monreal said that a contigency plan is place, which ensures that travelers will survive the anticipated Holy Week exodus.
